Politics & Government
Joshua Tree National Park Plans Annular Solar Eclipse Activities Sunday May 20
Before sunset, the Earth's moon will pass in front of the sun, casting a giant shadow across the land, according to scientists. Joshua Tree National Park rangers plan to a special solar eclipse program.
An annular eclipse is expected to be visible across much of the western U.S. on May 20, and Joshua Tree National Park officials are planning special activities to mark the occasion.
An annular eclipse of the sun, in clear viewing conditions, allows the edge of the sun to remain visible as a bright ring around the moon, according to astronomers.
The last annular eclipse visible in the U.S. was in 1994, Joshua Tree National Park spokesman Joe Zarki said in a statement issued Friday.
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In the hours before sunset on Sunday May 20, the Earth's moon will pass in front of the sun, casting a giant shadow across the land, Zarki said.
Solar eclipse program activities are planned at the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms.
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Zarki released the following schedule for visitors planning to take part May 20:
Noon: Telescopes with filters will be set up to allow viewing of the sun. Before the eclipse itself is visible, observers should be able to see sunspots and any solar flare activity.
4:30 p.m. Rangers will offer presentations about the solar eclipse and show participants how to make pinhole viewing devices for watching the eclipse.
5:25 p.m. This is the approximate time for the start of the annular eclipse. Public viewing of the eclipse will be offered through telescopes and through a video astronomy presentation. Special glasses for viewing the eclipse will also be available.
6:38 p.m. The peak of the eclipse for the Joshua Tree area is expected to occur at this time.
7:44 p.m. Sunset.
8:00 p.m. Night sky program presented by National Park Service rangers and park volunteers.
Entry fees at Joshua Tree National Park:
• 7-Day Vehicle Permit: $15Admits the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days. • 7-Day Single Entry Permit: $5
Admits one person, 16 years of age or older, when entering on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or horse. Also the per person entrance fee for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days. • Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass: $30
Admits the pass signee and accompanying passengers entering in a single, non-commercial vehicle. Valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. Non-transferable
The Oasis Visitor Center is at 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms.
For more info, visit www.nps.gov/jotr or call (760) 367-5500.
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