All Navajo Tribal Parks To Be Closed During Annular Eclipse Oct. 14

Above, the start of the "diamond ring effect" of the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I had guessed in my September 19 blog post of the closure of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park during the October 14 annular solar eclipse, all other Navajo tribal parks will be closed during the event.

According to Space.com:

A solar eclipse will be visible across most of the Americas, including eight U.S. states from Oregon to Texas, in October, but you won't be able to see it from a few key places after all. 

While millions of people will be flocking to the path of annularity — the narrow strip from which the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse can be seen — there are some locations along this path that will be closed to the public during the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14. 

This month, it was announced that all Navajo Tribal Parks would close from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. MDT on October 14, 2023, due to Navajo cultural beliefs surrounding the event. This includes Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park and parts of the Tséyi’ Diné Heritage Area in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Local businesses may also be closed.  

In Navajo culture, an eclipse is a new beginning. The Navajo word for a solar eclipse jóhonaa'éí daaztsą́ means "the death of the sun" according to Navajo Traditional Teachings. During a solar eclipse, many Navajo people will remain inside, fasting and praying.

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