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SALT LAKE CITY — Aug. 21 is the day many space lovers, astronomers and people, in general, have been looking forward to: the total solar eclipse.
The solar eclipse is when the moon covers the sun momentarily, giving people with proper eye protection the opportunity to view a partially covered sun. Such events take place on average every 18 months, with locations varying each year.
Utahns are fortunate enough this year to be able to view the eclipse with 90 percent coverage.
For those seeking a 100 percent coverage, Idaho and Wyoming are the two closest locations from Utah to view the total eclipse with a brief time to view the eclipse without safety glasses.
Idaho, especially, is expected to draw a huge crowd which could bring bad traffic, cramped parking, few places to stay, restaurants with long waits and busy stores.
And of course, even with that much coverage, glasses are still necessary for viewing.
For those wanting to throw a party for such an event, there is plenty of food, decorations and music that are perfect whether you’re traveling or staying at home.
Food
Whether traveling or staying local, food is necessary for any good get together. Here are some eclipse themed cookies:
Black and white macaroon cookies - These cookies are not only delicious, they also provide a fun way to eat and create your own eclipse.
Half-moon cookies - Originating from Upstate New York, these cookies are a fun and delicious way to celebrate both the sun and the moon’s role in the eclipse.
Milky Way, Mars Bars, Starbursts - Basically this is one of the best times to break out your favorite space-themed candies and have a good excuse to eat as much of it as you want.
Moon Pies - These iconic cookies can be purchased on Amazon.com and Walmart in time to enjoy watching the moon cover the sun.
Music
"Staring at the Sun" - This song by Mika is perfect to play after putting in your glasses and starting process of watching the eclipse by staring at the sun.
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" - It’s hard to think about the eclipse without thinking of Bonnie Tyler’s 80’s classic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’ Tyler is scheduled to sing the song during the eclipse. This song will be perfect to play at the peak of the eclipse.
"Dancing in the Moonlight" - For those of you who want to throw a short dance party during the full eclipse, this song by King Harvest is definitely the right song to jam out to.
Eclipse - You cannot throw an eclipse party without playing a song titled ‘Eclipse.’ So Pink Floyd’s got you covered with that.
"I’ll Make a Man Out of You" - This song is good for kids and any and all Disney lovers. Featuring the line “Mysterious as the dark side of the moon,” this gives you an appropriate reason to sing that one line at the top of your lungs.
"Here Comes the Sun" - This classic song by The Beatles will help wind down your party as the sun comes back into view at the end of the eclipse.
Decorations
Glow in the dark stars and planets - These fun decorations are perfect for kids to decorate around the house to get in the ‘eclipse’ spirit.
Solar eclipse poster - This fun poster is an easy decoration and way to explain what the eclipse is to others.
Solar System Whirls - These spirals are easy, fun and creative to hang up around your car, house or wherever you’ll be viewing the eclipse. Similarly, these spaceship and planet decorations are also fun to hang up the day of the eclipse.
Outer Space tablecloth - The perfect tablecloth to lay out and set your space-themed food on.
Eclipse wall tapestry - This is the only appropriate time in the year to hang up this eclipse tapestry.
Solar System cupcake toppers - Turn any cupcake into an eclipse themed cupcake with these planet toppers
Astronaut and spaceship inflatables - These two are could be great to entertain kids with until the total eclipse occurs.
And if these ideas don't inspire you, you could always come to the Triad Center, which is right next to the Vivint Smart Home Area, for the KSL Solar Eclipse viewing party from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be prizes, games, music and treats. Camilla Stimpson is a news writing intern for KSL.com and enjoys reporting on politics, crimes and her own awkward moments on 50shadesofawkward.com. When not writing, she can be found watching "30 Rock" or "Law & Order," napping, planning trips she can't afford and Googling dogs she can't have.
