![]() White Pine County Tourism and Recreation On October 14, 2023 Great Basin National Park will experience one of the great astronomical events of local history: an Annular Solar Eclipse. This eclipse will obscure a portion of the sun for nearly three hours in the morning of that special Saturday. The next annular eclipse in the United States won't take place until 2041 making this an incredibly rare occurrence, if not once in a lifetime for many who come to see. What is an Annular Eclipse?An Annular Eclipse varies from a Total Eclipse in one major way. While a Total Solar Eclipse obscures the entirety of the sun at its peak totality, an Annular Solar Eclipse means that a small amount of annularity, popularly known as a "Ring of Fire," remains. These differences occur due to the moon's elliptical orbit around the Earth, so the distance is not constant and allows the moon to appear smaller or larger in the sky. Annular eclipses take place during a further part of the moon's orbit. When will it happen?During the morning of October 14th, 2023. The moon will experience its first visual contact with the sun at about 8:07am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) that morning, and will fully obscure the sun by 9:26am PDT. At 10:53am PDT, the moon will finally leave the sun and the 2023 eclipse will have concluded. Historically, mild temperatures and clear skies prevail in October, but snow and thunderstorms are not unheard of. Clouds may well make the eclipse unviewable, but such is the nature of the skies! ![]() NASA What activities will be going on at Great Basin National Park?In response to this historic occasion, Great Basin will be holding a series of extra events in the days leading up to the eclipse, and guided viewing the morning of. While October usually begins a sleepier time in the park, we expect large crowds and many people to visit so plan ahead and have alternatives if your plan doesn't work out! Self-Guided Activities
Ranger Programs, Guest Speakers, and Virtual Events
Where to view the Eclipse inside the parkGuided Viewing Areas
Self Guided ViewingMake sure to pick up eclipse glasses from a ranger at one of the visitor centers of viewing areas prior to trekking out on your own. It is never safe to view an annular eclipse without properly rated eye protection. These are not the only areas the eclipse will be visible from, but are the only places where parking may be available.
![]() NASA / T. Nordgren Stay Safe and Protect your ParkCamping & LodgingIf the park doesn't experience any significant snowfall leading up to the eclipse, all five developed campgrounds will be open. All campgrounds will also be first-come, first-served. If you're unable to find a site within the park, speak to a ranger about primitive and dispersed camping alternatives outside the park. Camping outside of established campgrounds is strictly prohibited within the bounds of Great Basin National Park. Safe Viewing PracticesAnnular eclipses differ from total eclipses in that at no point is it safe to view the sun without properly rated eye protection! Come by either visitor center on the days leading to the eclipse or find a ranger the morning of for a free pair of eclipse glasses. We want to ensure everybody has a safe morning and the equipment to do so! Sunglasses are not sufficient protection for viewing the sun. Emergency AssistanceIN CASE OF EMERGENCY, ALWAYS CALL 911 OR SEEK OUT PARK STAFF Learn about Eclipses, Safety, and More!Eclipse CalendarCheck the calendar below as event specifics are updated. Camping during the eclipse
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Last updated: September 15, 2023