What Is an Annular Eclipse?

On October 14, 2023, a remarkable celestial event will unfold as an annular solar eclipse traverses the skies over North, Central, and South America. This captivating phenomenon will be observable in various regions, including parts of the United States, Mexico, and numerous countries in Central and South America, offering millions of people in the Western Hemisphere the opportunity to witness this spectacular eclipse. But what precisely is an annular eclipse, and what gives rise to it? Furthermore, why does it conjure the mesmerizing spectacle of a "ring of fire" encircling the sun in the sky?