On 14 October 2023, a significant astronomical event will occur as an annular solar eclipse graces the skies. National parks and monuments situated along the eclipse path are poised to offer some of the best viewing experiences for this celestial occurrence.
Eclipse Timing
According to NASA, the trajectory of the eclipse will commence in Oregon at approximately 9:13 a.m. PDT. The event will conclude in Texas by around 12:03 p.m. CDT.
Observers will be treated to a remarkable spectacle lasting over two hours: it will take slightly over an hour for the moon to entirely cover the sun, forming a radiant halo. Subsequently, it will require about another hour for the moon to gradually move away, revealing the sun once more.
Path of the Eclipse
The eclipse’s trajectory is set to begin in Oregon. It will slightly touch parts of California before proceeding to cross Nevada and Utah. The path then continues through the iconic Four Corners region and will ultimately culminate in Texas.
National Parks and Monuments on the Eclipse Path
Several nationally recognized parks and monuments lie directly on the eclipse’s path, making them prime locations for viewing. These include:
- Oregon:
- Crater Lake National Park
- California:
- Lava Beds National Monument
- Nevada:
- Great Basin National Park
- Utah:
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Glen Canyon National Recreational Area
- Arizona:
- Navajo National Monument
- Canyon De Chelly National Monument
- Glen Canyon National Recreational Area
- Hovenweep National Monument
- New Mexico:
- Chaco Culture National Historic Park
- El Malpais National Monument
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
- Aztec Ruins National Monument
- Bandelier National Monument
- Pecos National Historic Park
- Petroglyph National Monument
- Texas:
- Amistad National Recreational Area
Stargazing Events During Annual Solar Eclipse (2023)
This weekend, several national parks across the country are hosting stargazing events to coincide with the Annual Solar Eclipse. These events provide visitors with an opportunity to gaze upon the stars, planets, and distant galaxies in some of the darkest skies free from light pollution. Park rangers and astronomy enthusiasts will be on hand with telescopes and expertise, guiding attendees through constellations, and notable celestial bodies, and sharing fascinating tales of cosmic lore.
Joshua Tree National Park
- Night Sky Festival (Oct. 13, Oct. 14)
Great Basin National Park
- Astronomy Program (Oct. 12, Oct. 13)
- Guest Speaker NASA Heliophysicist David Cheney (Oct. 12, Oct. 13)
- Star Party (Oct. 12, Oct. 13)
- Constellation Talk (Oct. 12, Oct. 13)
- Annular Solar Eclipse (Oct. 14)
Petroglyph National Monument
- Solar Mask Making (Oct. 13)
- What on Earth is an Annular Eclipse? Meet NASA staff members and use a solar telescope (Oct. 12, Oct. 13)
- Annular Eclipse Viewing Areas (Oct. 14)
El Malpais National Monument
- Annular Solar Eclipse at the El Malpais Visitor Center (Oct. 14)
- Annular Solar Eclipse at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook (Oct. 14)
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
- Eclipse in the Heart (Oct. 14)
Big Thicket National Preserve
- Solar Eclipse & Anniversary Kickoff (Oct. 14)
Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Annular Solar Eclipse viewing (Oct. 14)
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
