MAINE, USA — On April 8, a large swath of North America will see day turn into night as a solar eclipse passes across the continent.
The eclipse will enter over Mexico's Pacific coast, move up through Texas and Oklahoma, crisscross the Midwest, Mid Atlantic and New England, before exiting over eastern Canada into the Atlantic.
Maine's two largest ski areas, Sugarloaf and Sunday River, have viewing parties planned for the occasion. The moon is slated to pass in front of the sun around 3:30 p.m. in both places.
Sugarloaf
Carrabassett Valley is right in the path of totality, and the mountain is planning a full weekend of events.
Live music is planned for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. On Sunday, the Tom Fauce Floyd Experience is scheduled to play Pink Floyd's full "Dark Side of the Moon" album.
While admission is free on Monday, Sugarloaf officials said there will be a security check at the Beach (base of the mountain) and Bullwinkles (mid-mountain restaurant and bar), and a lift ticket is required for anyone planning to ski or snowboard that day.
For more information on Sugarloaf's schedule, click here.
Sunday River
The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum will have a pop-up on North Peak, where people can check out minerals and gems and talk with experts. There will also be a photo booth for people to get photos holding a chunk of the moon.
Sunday River pass holders and those purchasing day tickets for the eclipse weekend can also get a $5 discount on admission at the actual museum, which is in Bethel, from April 6 to April 8.
Even if you are not a skier or rider, you can still join in on the fun. People on foot can purchase tickets to ride the Chondola on-site at South Ridge Lodge. Lift tickets will be issued until 3:30 p.m. or until capacity is reached. The Chondola powers down at 5 p.m., so anyone planning to ride the lift back down to the bottom should plan to load before the last chair at 4:45 p.m.
For more information on Sunday River's solar eclipse plans, click here.