Commemorative poster by artist and astronomer Tyler Nordgren (Submitted image)
On Monday, August 21, a total solar eclipse will be crossing the entire continental United States from Oregon to South Carolina. It has been named the Great All-American Total Solar Eclipse, a press release said.
Three local national parks—Obed Wild and Scenic River, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area—will collectively be offering six different viewing locations, with five of these locations being in the path of totality, the press release said.
The viewing locations include:
- Obed Wild and Scenic River—Lilly Bluff Overlook in Lancing, Tennessee, and the Park Visitor Center in Wartburg
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park–Park Visitor Center at the American Museum of Science and Energy and one other site in Oak Ridge
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area—Bandy Creek Visitor Center in Oneida and the Gateway Visitor Center in Crossville
Each location varies in what it offers in terms of accessibility and service facilities, with some locations near established visitor centers and highways, and other locations in a spectacular outdoor setting within the park.
“These free events will allow visitors to pick a location that best fits their personal preferences on how they want to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” the press release said.
The parks plan to have several thousand “eclipse shades†available for visitors to protect their eyes as they view the eclipse. Selected locations will also have solar-filtered viewing equipment available for visitors to get a closer look at the partial phases of the eclipse.
To celebrate this special event, the Obed Wild and Scenic River and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park commissioned the work of artist and astronomer Tyler Nordgren to develop two commemorative posters for the event. These posters highlight the beauty of the Obed Wild and Scenic River and the history of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
The partial phase of the eclipse will begin at approximately 1 p.m. Eastern time August 21 and end at approximately 4 p.m. The total phase of the eclipse will occur at approximately 2:30 p.m.
More information is available by calling (423) 346-6294 or by visiting https://www.nps.gov/obed/planyourvisit/2017-solar-eclipse.htm and https://www.nps.gov/mapr/planyourvisit/solar-eclipse-august-21-2017.htm.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Commemorative poster by artist and astronomer Tyler Nordgren (Submitted image)
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