Calling all Earthlings (skiers and non-skiers alike)—North America will experience a total solar eclipse on August 21st, 2017. A band of totality will be visible across the contiguous US, and luckily for Utah, we are pretty close to that zone. So we're saying there's a chance!
Source: giphy.com
Salt Lake City and Ogden will be 91-93% at totality. If you want to get away from the crowds to catch this celestial magic we recommend visiting our friends up north at Beaver Mountain where the eclipse will be at 95% of totality. Beaver offers tent camping, RV hookups and yurt rentals so call 435-563-5677 to reserve your spot. Whether you’re enjoying popsicles with the kids or crackin’ a cold one with the pals, Utah delivers phenomenal viewing spots for this rare celestial event. Don’t be left in the dark.
Snowbasin Solar Eclipse Viewing
Northern Utah will have the greatest viewing circumstances in the State. With the added elevation at Needles Lodge, Snowbasin Resort will have an amazing view of the eclipse! Needles Gondola will be running 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Food and drink will be for sale. Gondola rides are free for 17/18 Premier Season Pass holders and 2017 Summer Pass Holders. If you don't have one of those the cost is $14 for adults (18 and over); $10 youth (7-17); and 6 and under are free.
Solar Eclipse Circumstances for the Ogden Area:
10:13 am – C1 or eclipse begins
11:33 am – Middle of the eclipse – the maximum amount of sun covered
12:59 pm – C4 or when the partial eclipse ends
Snowbird's Solar Eclipse Party at the Summit
Although Utah is not in the path of totality, the partial eclipse will still be a sight to see - especially from the highest restaurant in Utah at 11,000ft. Snowbird is opening the Tram at 9:30 am and the first 100 guests up the Tram will receive a complimentary pair of eclipse viewing glasses. There will also be a limited number of eclipse viewing glasses for sale at the Summit, Cliff Sundries and Center Sundries. Tram tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for children and seniors, and free for 6 & under.
Solar Eclipse Circumstances for the Summit:
10:14 am - eclipse begins
11:34 am - Middle of the eclipse – the maximum amount of sun covered
1:00 pm - partial eclipse ends
Pro tip: Make sure you have special solar glasses to protect your vision while viewing the eclipse. And no, your Smith Blackout goggles won’t cut it.
Look Up! Other celestial activities that have absolutely nothing to do with the solar eclipse :)
If you’re stuck inside during the eclipse, there’s still a number of other celestial events happening this fall, including dark sky programs and two expected meteor showers. Experience the magic yourself on a full moon chairlift ride or watching a meteor shower from atop your favorite Utah summit.
Bryce Canyon Full Moon Hikes & Solar Viewing - August 9-12th
Have you ever seen the Milky Way span across the night sky like a rainbow of stars? Far from the light pollution of civilization, Bryce Canyon is a magical place to experience - especially with help from Astronomy Park Rangers.
Star Parties at Cedar Breaks Nat. Monument - Every Saturday until September 2nd
Join "Dark Ranger Dave" every Saturday through Labor Day weekend at Point Supreme in Cedar Breaks National Monument to gaze at the galaxy while and learning about constellations and the mythology behind them. Brian Head Ski Resort hosts wintertime star parties January through March as well.
Stargazing in Arches National Park - August thru October
Peek through nature's arch windows to experience some the darkest skies remaining in the contiguous 48 states. The deeper into the park and away from the light of Moab you venture, the more spectacular sight to be seen.
Dark Sky Martian Stargazing at Snowbasin - August 19th
Star gaze from 9,000 feet at Needles Lodge while enjoying refreshments, full-service dining and beverages from Earl’s Lodge. Plus FREE outdoor showings of Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens as well as Rogue One: a Star Wars Story.
Stargazing at Solitude - August 19th and September 16th
Constellations, stars and planets, oh my! Gaze at the night sky through a telescope with an expert astronomer and learn about the folklore that surrounds the night sky.
Summer Stargazers at Snowbird - August 25th, September 2nd, 9th & 29th
Cozy up in Snowbird's Creekside Lodge for an informative indoor presentation and out-of-this-world views of the night sky through high-powered telescopes brought to you by local astronomers.
Sundance Full Moon ZipTour - September 7-9th and October 5-7th
Soar over 3,871 feet at Sundance Resort with the beautiful Mount Timpanogos illuminated with moonlight. Indiana Jones could only dream of an adventure like this!
Southwest Astronomy Festival - September 22nd & 23rd
Celebrate regional astronomy and dark skies throughout Southwest Utah. There's for all ages to be found in Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion National Park and St. George.
Experience night sky magic from one of the Mighty Five National Parks in Utah. Not only will you be wowed by the stars, but also the stunning silhouette of various red rock landscapes.
If these activities aren’t your jam, make plans to view The Leonid Meteor Shower from November 16-17th or The Geminid Meteor Shower from December 6-19th. Local favorite viewing spots include Timpanogos Midnight Hike, Bonneville Salt Flats, Antelope Island State Park, Camping in the Uinta Mountains or the Tushar Mountains near Eagle Point. Cross your fingers that the solar eclipse will bring good fortune snow gods and Utah will be covered in a blanket of snow for these meteor shows. There’s no better seat for a meteor shower than apre hot tubbing!
