BRETTON WOODS, N.H. — This August, the sky above the White Mountains will become the focus of two special events at Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, where guests will experience a partial solar eclipse with astrophysicist Douglas Arion, PhD, and learn what to look for during the annual Perseid meteor shower.


On Wednesday, August 12, guests will gather for a special viewing of a partial solar eclipse. While totality will not be visible from the continental United States, Northern New Hampshire offers guests the opportunity to view the event from one of the region’s most scenic areas, with Dr. Arion on-site to explain exactly what they’re seeing above them.


The experience begins the night before with Cosmos at the Cave on Tuesday, August 11, an evening designed to help guests understand the science behind the celestial events unfolding above them. Inside the resort’s historic speakeasy-style venue, Dr. Arion, with special guest Peter Michaud of the Gemini Observatory in Hawaii, will lead conversations about space and astronomy, the eclipse, and the Perseid meteor shower that will peak the next day and night.


The events highlight a bigger story: access to the night sky is disappearing. An estimated 80 to 90 percent of the world’s population now lives under skies too bright to see the Milky Way. In Northern New Hampshire, it’s different. The White Mountains remain one of the region’s darker sky areas, where guests can still see stars, planets, and celestial events that are hidden in more developed areas.
From mountaintop dinners under a rising full moon, to conversations about black holes inside The Cave, to telescope viewing and guided astronomy sessions, Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa’s astrotourism programming is built around helping people reconnect with the night sky and understand what they’re seeing.


Interview for media with Dr. Doug Arion: https://vimeo.com/1216105082?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Slopeside Spotlight of Astrotourism Events at Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa: https://vimeo.com/1196739580?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Cosmos at the Cave


Before guests step outside to experience the August sky events, they’ll have the opportunity to learn what they’re looking at during Cosmos at the Cave.


The evening combines astronomy, cocktails and mocktails, and conversation with Dr. Arion and Michaud, exploring everything from space missions to the mysteries of the universe.


“It’s a wonderful environment where we can bring you together with some great experts to learn about all the cool things that we do up in space, and for you to enjoy it in a really great and festive atmosphere,” says Dr. Arion.


Date: Tuesday, August 11 Time: 8:00 PM Location: The Cave, Bretton Woods Admission: Complimentary. Cocktails and beverages available for purchase. Appetizers will be served.
Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Experience | August 12


Following Cosmos at the Cave, guests will have the opportunity to experience the August 12 partial solar eclipse with guidance from astrophysicist Douglas Arion, PhD.

 


While totality will not be visible from the continental United States, Northern New Hampshire will experience a partial eclipse, offering guests the opportunity to witness the event from one of New England’s most spectacular venues while learning from an expert who can explain the science behind what they are seeing.


Dr. Arion will be set up on the back lawn of Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa beginning at 12:30 PM to welcome guests, answer questions, and provide insight into the eclipse experience.
The partial eclipse will begin at approximately 12:55 PM and conclude at 2:44 PM.


The timing also coincides with the annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks overnight August 12–13. After sunset, guests can continue looking up, as the darker skies of the White Mountains create better conditions for viewing meteors.


Date: Wednesday, August 12
Location: Back Lawn, Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa

Schedule:
•12:30PM: Dr. Arion available with guests
•12:55PM: Partial eclipse begins
•2:44PM: Partial eclipse ends


Evening sky opportunity: Following sunset, guests can continue exploring the night sky and look for the Perseid meteor shower, one of the year’s most anticipated meteor events.
Visual Opportunities (weather permitting)
•Guests viewing the eclipse with approved solar viewing equipment
•Dr. Arion explaining the eclipse and answering guest questions
•The Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa backdrop, including views of the Presidential Range
•Guest reactions and interviews during the experience


Media inquiries, story development, creator collaborations, and visit coordination may be directed to Céline McArthur.


About Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa:
Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa is an all-season resort destination in New Hampshire located at the base of Mount Washington and surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. In September 2009, Omni Hotels began management of the property, which is home to the Omni Mount Washington Hotel, site of the International Monetary Conference of 1944, and Bretton Woods, New Hampshire's largest ski area. Recent renovations and expansions include the new Presidential Wing and on-mountain Rosebrook Lodge, plus renovated dining rooms. In recent years, the resort unveiled a restored 18-hole Mount Washington Golf Course, 25,000-square-foot The Spa, 20,000-square-foot Conference Center, outdoor pool complex and renovated guestrooms, lobby and public spaces. The Bretton Woods Canopy Tour was also added to the resort's list of amenities, which includes top-rated Alpine and Nordic skiing, 27 holes of championship golf and a full slate of additional seasonal activities. A variety of lodging, dining and activities is offered year-round, along with many traditional and cultural events. For more information, guests can call 1-800-The-Omni or visit omnihotels.com/mountwashington.


About Omni Hotels & Resorts: Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the most popular leisure and business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada. With 26 iconic golf courses, including multiple short courses, 25 award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative, to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni