Ted S. Warren, Associated Press

This Saturday morning, an annular solar eclipse will make its way across the Western Hemisphere, with Utah in its path.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the partial eclipse will last from 9:07 a.m. to noon with the annularity — the period when the moon’s silhouette obscures the sun — timing for about four minutes around 10:25 a.m., with the timing varying depending on the viewing location.

An annular solar eclipse is different than a total eclipse as the moon doesn’t fully cover the sun, instead creating a “ring of fire” as the moon perfectly aligns with the sun, blocking out almost all of the light except for outer edges.

For those looking to travel to Central Utah, where conditions for the eclipse are ideal, BLM has an interactive map showing the path through Central and Southern Utah.

The Utah Department of Transportation issued a traffic advisory for Utah, especially Central Utah, as the eclipse is expected to bring increased travel to the Beehive State from Friday through Sunday.

Sammy Jo Hester, Daily Herald file photo

While Utah Valley isn’t in the direct pathway of the eclipse, residents can still catch a glimpse. If you plan on staying in the valley and are looking for some family-friendly ways in Utah County to celebrate the eclipse, here are a few events to check out.

Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point will have a viewing on Saturday morning from 9-11 a.m. at the Museum of Natural Curiosity, but glasses will not be provided.

Visitors will need to pay for admission into Thanksgiving Point to attend, with tickets costing $24 for adults, $19 for youth ages 13-17 and $17 for children 12 and under. Children 2 and under get in free.

Orem Library

The Orem City Public Library will host a viewing at City Center Park along with games and activities for children to learn about space. Additionally, there will be a magic show.

The event will start at 10 a.m with the magic show at 10:30 a.m. and the library will be offering free doughnuts for the first 300 people as well as eclipse glasses for free.

Hutchings Museum Institute

Hutchings Museum in Lehi will have a viewing with an official NASA eclipse ambassador, with free eclipse glasses provided. The institute will also have various activities going on.

There’s no charge for the event, but registration through the museum’s website is required for those wanting to attend.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that glasses for viewing the eclipse would be provided at Thanksgiving Point’s Museum of Natural Curiosity.

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