Don’t Miss the Balloon Fiesta and Solar Eclipse in Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you’ve never seen the colorful, magical mass ascension of hot air balloons, there’s no better place for a first-time view than Albuquerque, New Mexico. From Oct. 7 to 15, more than 500 hot air balloons take to the skies during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The largest event of its kind in the world, this year’s edition carries a special astronomical bonus, as the annual solar eclipse will fall during the festival dates, beginning in New Mexico at 9:13 a.m. on Oct. 14.

The state known as the Land of Enchantment is one of eight lucky enough to fall in the path of the eclipse for a view of the rare “ring of fire,” during which the moon leaves a thin outer ring of the sun uncovered. This brief phenomenon lasts for a mere four minutes and 48 seconds.

“Experiencing the International Balloon Fiesta and Annular Solar Eclipse in Albuquerque together will be the event of a lifetime,” said Sam Parks, executive director, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “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.”

To help visitors maximize their experience, representatives from NASA will be on hand to give out 80,000 pairs of solar eclipse viewing glasses. NASA will also have an onsite tent staffed by experts who will offer exhibits, presentations and answer questions from festival-goers.