The Rare Natural Phenomenon In Utah That Will Go Down In History
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock all summer, you’re aware of the total solar eclipse that will sweep across the United States on August 21st. While Utah won’t experience a total eclipse, we’ll still experience a partial eclipse, and the skies will go almost completely dark. Check it out!
The Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 will occur on August 21st, and in a rare occurrence, will have a path of totality that sweeps across the entire United States. While Utah isn't in the path of totality, of course we'll still experience the eclipse - just at a slightly lesser degree. It's still certain to be impressive.
In this photo, you can see northern Utah in relationship to the path of totality. The thin orange line represents a 90% partial eclipse, with is what most of northern Utah will experience. People farther south in Utah will also experience a partial eclipse - just to a lesser degree.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon covers the sun. At the midpoint of a total eclipse, all you can see is the sun's corona. The skies go completely dark for several minutes, even though it's the middle of the day. You can see why primitive cultures thought that the world was ending when a total solar eclipse occurred!
Northern Utah will experience a 91% solar eclipse, which will look similar to this photo. The eclipse will begin at 10:13 AM. It will reach its midpoint (when it's the darkest) at 11:33 AM, and will be over at 12:59 PM.
Looking directly at the solar eclipse can cause serious eye damage. If you're planning to view it, make sure to get some eclipse glasses. Sunglasses and homemade filters are not effective enough to avoid damage.
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
