Look up. It’s a bird, a plane … a solar eclipse?
On Sunday May 20th, 2012 in the hours right before sunset, the first solar eclipse visible in America in nearly two decades will occur. The spectacle is called an annular eclipse, or an eclipse in which all but the outermost rim of the sun is blocked by the moon, leaving a “bull’s eye” ring of sunlight. Even though it won’t be a total eclipse, the moon will be in position to block out 96 percent of the sun’s light at the eclipse maximum, leaving what is called a ‘ring of fire’ around the disc of the moon.
Astro-tourists (defined simply as someone who travels to study astronomy and observe the sky) say Southern Utah is one of the best places to see the eclipse due to the dark nighttime skies and location near the center of the eclipse path.
So if you are an astro-tourist, or not, the best place to stay is St. George Vacation Rentals. Stay in a beautiful furnished condo with plenty of room for your whole family. You can drive to a close-by park, or skip the crowds and instead take a nature hike close to your Green Valley condo, and away from any city lights. I’m sure the view will be spectacular (and oh yes – our pools and other facilities are too!).
Bryce Canyon National Park is making the annular solar eclipse the grand finale to Bryce Canyon National Park’s twelfth annual Astronomy Festival. Zion National Park may also be planning a special program for the eclipse.
Because the Sun won’t be completely blocked, make sure you use special solar glasses or other protection before you look at the eclipse.
“The Milky Way looks like a river of stars from St. George. It’s amazing,” said one of our recent renters. He’s right.
Now go cue your iPod to to the “Under The Milky Way” song by the Church – you 80’s alternative fans – while you book your stay with us.
Best Place to View the Solar Eclipse? Astro-Tourists Say St. George, Utah
