On Saturday, October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the Southwest—including Virgin, Utah. If you live outside of the path of the eclipse, now is a great time to start making plans to travel to Southern Utah for this incredible event.
Zion Wildflower Resort will be directly in the path of the eclipse. This makes our canvas tent glamping resort a great spot to view the eclipse.
Thinking about planning a visit to hotels near Virgin Utah? Keep reading to learn more about this unique solar event, how to view it, and how to start planning your visit.
What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?
There are many different types of solar eclipses. The most recent major eclipse, which occurred in 2017, was a total solar eclipse. This was the first total eclipse to occur in the lower 48 states since 1979, and the first to cross the U.S. from coast to coast since 1918.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and completely blocks the Sun’s light. With a total solar eclipse, you can briefly see the Sun’s corona, which is the outer atmosphere that is usually obscured by the bright light of the sun. You can also safely remove your solar viewing glasses at this time.
When an annular solar eclipse occurs, the Moon still passes between the Sun and the Earth. However, it does so while at its farthest point away from the Earth in its orbit. As a result, the Moon doesn’t completely block the light of the Sun. Instead, it creates the “ring of fire” effect that this type of eclipse is known for. A ring of light surrounds the dark Moon, making for a vibrant display.
Viewing the Annular Solar Eclipse in Southern Utah
An annular solar eclipse is set to pass across the Southwest United States on October 14, 2023. The annular solar eclipse will first be visible in the U.S. on the coast of Oregon. The path of the solar event will then cross Oregon into Northern Nevada, before crossing into the middle of Utah, and straight across Southern Utah.
Guests staying in the best luxury hotels Zion National Park has to offer will be able to view this incredible solar event. The annular eclipse will begin to be visible starting around 9:30 a.m. The Moon will pass out of the path of the sun by 10:35 a.m. If you’re planning to watch the annular solar eclipse while camping Zion or staying in a local resort, you’ll want to plan to watch the entire hour-long event.
Where to View the Eclipse
The upcoming annular solar eclipse is likely to draw a crowd to Southern Utah. Many visitors will likely head to the region’s national parks to view the eclipse. Parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon are great spots to view the eclipse. The rocky landscapes and unique formations of these parks will look even more interesting in the light of the eclipse.
However, these locations are likely to be the busiest. If you don’t want to fight traffic and crowds to view the annular solar eclipse, consider booking a stay at hotels near Virgin Utah. Zion Wildflower Resort has plenty of open space where guests can comfortably view the eclipse. Watch as day turns to night over our canvas tent glamping resort, as well as over the distant peaks and mountains. Then, hop on one of our complimentary bikes or enjoy some of the other on-site amenities rather than fighting traffic.
Safely Viewing the Eclipse
Whether you plan to view the eclipse from hotels near Virgin Utah, a national park, or your own backyard, it’s important to protect your eyes.
During a total solar eclipse, it’s safe to view the eclipse when the Sun’s light is totally blocked by the Moon. However, because the Sun’s light and UV rays are never completely blocked during an annular solar eclipse, it’s never safe to view this type of eclipse without proper eye protection.
Sunglasses, including polarized or prescription lenses, are not enough to properly protect your eyes during an eclipse. Instead, you’ll need to use a pair of solar viewing glasses. If you can’t get a pair of eclipse glasses, you can also build a solar eclipse viewer at home.
Planning a Stay in Hotels Near Virgin Utah for the Annular Solar Eclipse
If you live outside of the path of the upcoming eclipse, a stay in hotels near Virgin Utah, like Zion Wildflower, will allow you to get a great view while also enjoying all that the fall season in Southern Utah has to offer.
Want to experience this unique solar event for yourself? Don’t wait to book your stay at Zion Wildflower Resort!
