Annular solar eclipse will pass over eight states from Oregon to Texas and partial eclipse will be visible in other continental states

Millions of people across a broad swathe of the mainland US will be able to view a bright ring of fire around the sun on Saturday during a spectacular celestial event known as an annular solar eclipse.

The direct path of the eclipse covers portions of eight states from Oregon to Texas, although at least a partial eclipse, minus the ring of fire, will be visible in all 41 of the other continental states including Alaska.