Grand Canyon Solar Eclipse

Every year millions travel to Grand Canyon National Park. This year I planned a wonderful trip with my husband to see the gorgeous waterfalls of Havasupai and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. My husband had never been to Arizona, and I had only seen the Grand Canyon as a toddler, so we were both really excited for our trip.

A few days before our departure, I saw on the news that there would be an annular solar eclipse while we were in Arizona. I quickly researched online and learned that the Grand Canyon was going to be one of the best places to view the eclipse. In addition to that, there would be a solar viewing party at the Visitor's Center! I quickly changed our travel plans so that we would be at the Grand Canyon the night of the eclipse.

When my husband and I got to the South Rim Grand Canyon Visitor's Center we asked if we could buy solar eclipse glasses. Unfortunately they were already sold out! We walked around and soon found amateur astronomers, NASA scientists, and volunteers who were more than willing to share their equipment.

While we were walking around I saw a park ranger with some extra solar glasses, and I asked if I could use them. She said I could as long as I shared them with others. I walked over to the rim of the Grand Canyon and started asking people if they wanted to take a peek at the sun. I was surprised to find people that didn't know there was a solar eclipse going on!

Unless otherwise indicated, photos by Mandy Stradley

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A couple enjoys the view while visitors take turns peering at the sun, at one of the most impressive locations on Earth.

Protect your vision. Looking at the sun can severely damage your eyes if you do not have the proper protection. Regular sunglasses are not good enough!

NASA - Solar Eclipse

This is NASA's official solar eclipse page. It contains maps and tables for 7,000 years of eclipses and includes information on eclipse photography, observing tips and eye safety information.

NASA Eclipse Site

Fred Espenak's Eclipse Site has information about solar and lunar eclipses.

Photo by: Rachel Robinson, May 20, 2012

Santa Monica Pier

The May 20, 2012 annular eclipse was visible from a 240 to 300 km-wide track that traversed eastern Asia, the northern Pacific Ocean and the western United States. It was visible from East Asia, North Pacific, North America and Greenland.

Picture and Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC

We walked around and looked through telescopes to get a great view of the sun. All of the telescopes had filters so that our eyes would be protected.

Park Rangers and volunteers set up pinhole cameras and solar projectors for all to view. The moment that the annular solar eclipse began the crowd let out a giant cheer!

On November 12/13 2012 there was a total eclipse of the Sun that was visible in Northern Australia. A partial eclipse was visible from Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Eclipse map/figure/table/predictions courtesy of Fred Espenak, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center.

If you are visiting the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, you won't want to miss the Desert View Watchtower, about 20 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. This four story stone building is 70 feet tall, and was designed by Mary Colter. The building was completed in 1932, and has murals by Fred Kabotie.

You will see spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and the Painted Desert. Visitors can also go inside Desert View Watchtower and climb up the narrow stairway for more great views.

For more information, see the National Park Service Desert View Publication.