Image: NASA
A total solar eclipse in 1999 | Photo: Luc Viatour | Cover Photo: NASA

This summer will host the first full solar eclipse in the United States in 38 years and if you haven’t planned some weekend festivities for August 21st– you might want to book your AirBnB sooner rather than later.

Related: Total Solar Eclipse As Seen From The Arctic – Spitsbergen, Norway

The eclipse will cross the United States, starting in Oregon and ultimately exiting in South Carolina. The eclipse will first be visible on US soil starting in Lincoln City, Oregon at roughly 9:05am PST and the last observation will be in Charleston, SC at 2:48pm EDT. In between, the solar eclipse will show itself to the rest of America as long as the skies remain clear.

[sigallery id=”DpxjASYZHZq3ijHUssG4tF” title=”Solar Eclipse 2017″ type=”sigallery”]

Obviously, most of the northern-oriented mountain towns in the western USA will get front row seats for the eclipse and that’s really good news for their local businesses.

*So without further ado, here are the best mountain towns to catch a glimpse of this extremely rare astronomical phenomenon. (times are approximate)

The Best Mountain Towns To View The 2017 Solar Eclipse

Oregon — 10:15 – 10:25am

  • Mt Hood
  • Bend
  • Mt Bachelor

Idaho — 11:25 – 11:35am

  • Stanley
  • Sun Valley + Hailey/Ketchum
  • Victor + Driggs
  • McCall

Wyoming — 11:35 – 11:45am

  • Grand Targhee
  • Jackson
  • Moran
  • Kelly
  • Wilson
  • Hoback
  • Alpine
  • Cody
  • Lander

Tennessee — 1:30 – 2:00pm

[All images courtesy of NASA]

“This is a golden opportunity to observe one of nature’s most exciting splendors and to engage and educate diverse audiences in the U.S. and internationally, using a backdrop of this amazing celestial event coupled with NASA unique assets.” – NASA

*Just remember to wear the proper eye protection and never gaze into the sun for too long. 

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Solar Eclipse FAQ’s

What is a solar eclipse?

“A solar eclipse happens when the moon casts a shadow on Earth, fully or partially blocking the sun’s light in some areas.” – NASA

What can you expect to see?

“Observers within the path of totality will be able to see the sun’s corona (weather permitting). Observers outside this path will see a partial eclipse.”– NASA

Where’s the best place to observe this eclipse?

According to NASA, a spot along the border of Tennessee and Kentucky will see the most significant eclipse. (*Weather permitting)

When will the next one occur?

“After the 2017 solar eclipse, the next total solar eclipse visible over the continental United States will be on April 8, 2024.”NASA

Find out more here: Solar Eclipse 101

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