ELY, Nev. – This year an annular solar eclipse is set to cross North America on Oct. 14, 2023, and it’s going to create quite a celestial show for people who have gathered in Ely, Nevada. The hidden gem in the eastern part of the state sits directly in the path of totality this year. Thanks to its open landscape and minimal light pollution, Ely is home to some of the darkest skies in the nation. In fact, it’s such a perfect spot to watch the eclipse that the San Francisco Exploratorium is teaming up with NASA to live stream the event from the Nevada Northern Railway Museum.
To celebrate the occasion, Ely is hosting the first ever “Ring of Fire Eclipse Festival,” with a series of fun events all week long leading up to the eclipse at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The weekend is jam packed with fun activities before and after the eclipse, including the following:
White Pine County sits in the path of totality for the October 14th Ring of Fire Eclipse and will be celebrating with a week full of fun events you won’t want to miss.
•The White Pine Public Museum will host expert talks about Nevada’s UFO history
•The Nevada Northern Railway will take passengers on a special eclipse viewing ride on one of its century old steam locomotives.
•The Lions Club will put on their infamous Punkin Chunkin pumpkin hurling competition and Renaissance Fair
•Guided group mountain bike rides will be available
•A pub crawl will take place through downtown Ely
•A live band will feature a set of cosmic-inspired music
Preferred Viewing Locations
There are eight preferred viewing locations in or near Ely that will offer a variety of events, speakers and services.
- Nevada Northern Railway Museum – In addition to the live stream, the NNRY will host scientific talks and special steam locomotive rides before, during and after the eclipse.
- Great Basin National Park – The official designated international dark sky location will hold talks with interpretive park rangers and scientists.
- White Pine County Fairgrounds – A family friendly scene at the site of the annual horse races, this spot will offer plenty of food options.
- Downtown Baker – Downtown Baker will be buzzing with live music, scavenger hunts and great restaurant options.
- Schellbourne Pass – For those looking for a more remote option, visitors will find parking but no other services.
- Sacramento Pass Recreation Area – This is another remote option that will offer camping and bathrooms.
- White Pine Airport – This overflow area will offer parking, plane camping, and an open house event.
- White Pine Golf Course – This additional overflow area will provide parking, bathrooms and food.
Events continue to be added to the festival schedule. For the latest, and for details on lodging, visit: www.elynevada.net/ring-of-fire-eclipse-festival.
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/kjrtrp3dl8mpw4mchls9n/h?dl=0&rlkey=2l3kin0h64rkj0kyutn5zs2yi
Leave a Reply