Date: August 14, 2017
Contact: Nancy stimson, 307 467 5283
Devils Tower, WY –
On August 21, 2017, the continental United States will experience the first total solar eclipse in 38 years, a unique and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime event. The last solar eclipse in the United States was February 26, 1979. A total eclipse is a lineup of the sun, the moon and the earth. The moon will be directly between the sun and the earth, casting a shadow on the earth. The moon’s shadow races across the land, crossing from the Oregon coast and Wyoming Black Hills to the point where South Carolina meets the Atlantic Ocean in just one and a half hours.
All National Park Service sites are contemplative places from which to view this rare phenomenon. Devils Tower National Monument is expecting 95% totality of the eclipse. The partial eclipse will start at 10:30 am and last 2 to 3 hours. On Sunday, August 20 at 11:30 am a special astronomy presentation will highlight a prelude to the solar eclipse and provide in depth insight into the eclipse. Meet the astronomy ranger at the kiosk under the green awning in front of the visitor center. On Monday, August 21 a special astronomy presentation during the solar eclipse will offer explanations about this rare phenomenon and special activities for children of all ages. Meet the astronomy ranger in the picnic area near the campground for the entire duration of the eclipse. Due to limited parking, visitors with RVs and /or towed vehicles are encouraged to park in Long Vehicle Parking near the Picnic Area or carpool to the visitor center.
One of the safe ways to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special solar filters or glasses. Special eclipse glasses will be provided for all visitors the day of the event. A telescope with a special solar filter will be available for viewing the eclipse.
To learn more about Devils Tower National Monument, contact 307-467-5283, visit us online at www.nps.gov/deto, www.facebook.com/Devils-Tower-National-Monument-Official-NPS-Site or twitter.com @DevilsTowerNM.
~NPS~
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks system and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/nationalparkservice, and You Tube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservce.
