Observatory Opens
7:30am
Eclipse Begins
8:10am PDT/Lowell Time
Eclipse Maximum (90%)
9:30am PDT/Lowell Time
Eclipse Ends
11am PDT/Lowell Time
Celebrate with us at Lowell!
October 14 @ 7:30 am
Lowell Observatory is pleased to announce a special event for the “Ring of Fire” Annular Eclipse occurring on October 14, 2023. With a view of about 85% annularity from Flagstaff, Arizona, we invite you to join in witnessing this striking celestial event!
Event Includes:
• Solar Observing: Safely observe the eclipse with complimentary solar glasses and through our specialized solar telescopes, which will be set up around the grounds.
• Educational Programming: Enjoy a short educational film titled Totality!, produced by NASA and Rice University, and embark on special tours after the partial annular eclipse ends.
• Refreshments: Enjoy coffee and food truck cuisine, starting at 7:30 A.M.
• Live Views: Watch as Lowell goes live with views from Sunspot Observatory and Roswell, New Mexico, both situated on the path of annularity. Available online or on TVs throughout campus during the annular eclipse event.
• Member ADC Previews: Members not only get free access to the event and special eclipse merchandise, but will be offered exclusive hard hat tours of the upcoming Astronomy Discovery Center, set to open in November 2024.
Note: The eclipse will be at maximum around 9:30am in local time. Stay tuned for more information about this and off-site events.
What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the Moon. The next annular eclipse in the U.S. will be on Oct. 14, 2023.
How to View the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse
The Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. It will be visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America.
In the U.S., the annular solar eclipse begins in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and ends in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT.
To see if you live along the path of totality and when the best time to view it will be, check out the ‘When and Where’ map on NASA’s website, linked below. During an total solar eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing. Review these safety guidelines on the NASA website to prepare for October 14, 2023.
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