View the August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse at Capitol Reef National Park

Photo by NASA/GSFC/SDO

News Release Date: August 8, 2017 Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the August 21 partial Solar Eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the moon casts a shadow on the Earth, blocking the sun’s light. With a solar scope or with protective eyewear, visitors can safely view the eclipse.
 
A solar telescope and a telescope with a solar filter will be set up in front of the visitor center on the morning of the eclipse for visitors to view the approaching lunar shadow, partial eclipse, and decreasing lunar shadow starting at 9:00 am. At latitude 38 North Capitol Reef should experience approximately 82% obstruction beginning at 10:14 am MDT to 1:01 pm MDT The period of greatest eclipse will occur at 11:35 am MDT.
 
The Capitol Reef Natural History Association will sell special eclipse-viewing glasses at the visitor center bookstore for a nominal cost. Never look directly at the sun without protective eyewear, as severe eye damage can result.   
 
Capitol Reef National park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015. This event celebrates humanity’s connection to the solar system and exemplifies the efforts of the National Park Service to lead the way in protecting natural darkness as a precious resource. After the 2017 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse visible over the continental United States will occur in 2024. Rangers offer star gazing during new moon phases and guide moon walks during full moons.
 
 
See program schedules at https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/things2do.htm and visit www.ida.org to learn about the International Dark Sky Association. For further information about Capitol Reef National Park, visit  www.nps.gov/care, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CapitolReefNPS/ Twitter www.twitter.com/CapitolReefNPS , and Instagram at  www.instagram.com/Capitolreefnps .For more information about the eclipse, https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/interactive_map/index.html.