Later today, the sun will go mostly dark for a big chunk of the U.S., thanks to a solar eclipse—which, to remind you non-science nerds, is when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun and either partially or completely blocks the sun from our view for a few minutes. In this case, since the moon happens to be farther away from the earth than at other times in its orbit, it will only block out the middle-most part of the sun, leaving what astronomers are calling a “ring of fire.” Rad!
The ring will happen right around 9:33 p.m. ET (7:33 p.m MT) and will last about four minutes. If you want to see it you’ll have better chances west of the Mississippi. Killjoy alert: This celestial event is not visible from the East Coast. Most Westerners can see the entire eclipse from beginning to end before sunset. Check out this map to see just where the eclipse is visible.
National parks from California to New Mexico will offer some of the most spectacular eclipse-viewing opportunities. Check out our round-up of a few spots below, but remember, no matter where you are, do not look directly at the eclipse, you could damage your eyesight forever. Play it safe and read: How to Watch a Partial Solar Eclipse Safely.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: View the annular eclipse with expert astronomers and solar telescopes and experience special guest speakers, daytime solar scopes to view the sun, evening stargazing with large telescopes, and kid and family activities.
Grand Canyon National Park: On the South Rim, astronomers sponsored by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will share their solar telescopes with the public both during the eclipse and after dark for a one-night Star Party.
Redwood National Park: Stop by one of the park's visitor centers and purchase solar eclipse glasses to witness this wonder, and to protect your eyes. The best view will be on the beach.
Great Basin National Park: From At this park you will experience nearly three minutes of the total eclipse. The park will have a special program at the Great Basin Visitor Center in Baker, Nevada. Join park rangers for this exciting event. Special safe solar viewing glasses will be available for purchase in their bookstores.
Bandelier National Monument: The schedule of activities includes a Junior Ranger program, eclipse event, and stargazing with a constellation tour (reservations required).
Petrolglyph National Monument Petroglyph: The park and the Albuquerque area lie in the center of the path of annularity. Special events (reservations required) at the park will mark this event as the moon dramatically crosses the setting sun.
Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park and Natural Bridges National Monument: Learn to make your own solar eclipse pinhole viewer on Saturday, May 19. And, join a ranger on Sunday, May 20, to view the eclipse with solar viewers.
Bryce Canyon National Park: The annular solar eclipse is the grand finale to Bryce's annual Astronomy Festival.
For a complete list of park activities, see the National Parks blog's Best National Parks To See Solar Eclipse 2012. If you miss this one, you’ll have another chance in 2017, so start planning your trip now.
Photograph at top: Corbis