Get ready to witness one of the most awe-inspiring celestial events in a lifetime—the Great American Total Solar Eclipse! Scheduled to grace the skies on April 8th, this phenomenon has stirred excitement and anticipation among astronomers, skywatchers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

What’s the Hype About?

Picture this: as the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, it casts its shadow upon the Earth's surface, creating an extraordinary spectacle known as a total solar eclipse. For a brief moment, day turns into a peculiar twilight as the Sun's corona—the outermost layer of its atmosphere—becomes visible to the naked eye. It's a mesmerizing display of cosmic beauty that leaves spectators in sheer wonder and amazement. The path of totality will begin in Texas a little after noon central time, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine ending around 3:30pm Eastern time. If you have plans to travel to the path of Eclipse totality, you’re in for an incredible experience! Stay stocked up on food, water, and fuel as you may experience travel delays with other eclipse enthusiasts.

Map of Totality

What Can We Expect in Utah?

While the path of totality—the narrow strip where the sun is completely obscured by the moon—will traverse across certain regions of the United States, Those outside this path of totality, like residents of Utah, can still participate in the experience, albeit to a lesser degree.

For individuals in Utah, although they won't witness the full glory of totality, they can still observe a partial solar eclipse. This means that during the peak of the event, a portion of the sun will be obscured by the moon, casting a noticeable dimming of the Sun over the landscape. It's a remarkable sight nonetheless and offers a unique opportunity to witness a celestial dance that occurs only occasionally. The Moon will create a crescent of the Sun by obscuring the view of nearly half of the Sun disk’s surface which will be visible through proper eyewear or optics.

According to heavensabove.com, the local viewing circumstances will be as follows:

· First contact with the Moon and Sun will occur at 11:26am (MDT)

· Maximum eclipse will occur at 12:33pm (MDT) with nearly 48% solar disk coverage.

· Last contact will occur at approximately 1:41pm (MDT)

How to make the most of the eclipse in Ogden Valley?

Our HALO observatory tour guides will host an eclipse viewing event from the grounds of Compass Rose Lodge. Participation in the event will be free of charge. We will have telescopes set up with proper filters for viewing the Sun and we will have solar viewing glasses available for purchase through Compass Rose Lodge and First Lift Coffee shop. Please remember eclipse observers must wear certified solar viewing glasses as eye protection from harmful solar radiation. HALO will have solar viewing glasses available for purchase through Compass Rose Lodge and First Lift Coffee shop through Monday.

Event Details:

When: Monday April 8th, from 11:30am to 1:00pm

Where: Compass Rose Lodge 198 S 7400 E Huntsville, Utah 84317

Final Thoughts

Beyond the astronomical marvel, the Great American Total Solar Eclipse serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the universe and our place within it. It's a moment to pause, reflect, and marvel at the wonders of nature—a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse: A Celestial Event Not to Miss