2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Prime Location to view Annular Solar Eclipse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Albuquerque, NM – In addition to launching and watch more than 500 hot air balloons in its mass ascensions, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil, will be the best place to view the Annular Solar Eclipse. The Balloon Fiesta launches October 7-15, 2023. The Annular Solar Eclipse will start becoming visible in the midst of the scheduled signature mass ascension at 9:13 a.m. on Saturday, October 14^th.

New Mexico is one of eight states in the path of the Solar Eclipse, to have a view of the “ring of fire,” a rare phenomenon where the moon does not fully cover the sun, leaving a thin outer ring visible, making Balloon Fiesta Park a prime location to view the eclipse’s totality.

Beginning at 9:13 a.m., the partial eclipse will continue progressing into the annularity eclipse of the ring of fire at 10:34 a.m. The ring of fire will burn for about 4 minutes and 50 seconds. The Annular Eclipse will end at 10:39 a.m. and the partial eclipse at 12:09 p.m.

In celebration of the eclipse, Balloon Fiesta guests will be able to enjoy a scheduled mass ascension followed by an “eclipse glow.” The eclipse glow will feature balloons glowing on the launch field in the darkness from the eclipse.

“Experiencing the International Balloon Fiesta and Annular Solar Eclipse in Albuquerque together will be the event of a lifetime,” said Executive Director Sam Parks. “We are working closely with experts from NASA to make sure our guests can get the most out of our New Mexico skies in October”.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will have a presence throughout the Balloon Fiesta and will be giving away 80,000 solar eclipse viewing glasses for all guests coming in that morning to enjoy the galactic event. Along with viewing glasses being provided, the tent will include NASA experts offering engaging presentations, exhibits, and more about the eclipse and their mission.

More information is available at https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil is a festival of hot air balloons that takes place in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. The 2022 event generated $203.19 Million into the Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico economies. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.

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