Photo courtesy of NASA.
On August 21, 2017, Americans across the United States will have an opportunity to see a total eclipse of the sun—a rare and phenomenal cosmic coincidence when the moon passes between the sun and earth. When this happens, the sun is momentarily blocked for a period of time ranging from one to nearly three minutes. The daytime sky turns dark, temperatures drop, and the sun's corona appears as a ring of light from behind the moon's shadow. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the continental USA since 1979. National parks are scenic settings to experience an eclipse. The National Park Service is pleased to help facilitate your visit. Plan your park getaway well in advance for what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime event to remember.
Visit the NPS Natural Phenomena website to learn about the eclipse and how to prepare for your park visit. Contact parks for specific information.
Last updated: October 23, 2017