credit: Luc Viatour / www.Lucnix.be
On August 21st, 2017, there will be a total eclipse of the sun, a rare event, especially since it will be viewable in states from Oregon to South Carolina, in a roughly 70 mile path. The Triangle will experience a partial eclipse. Around 93% of the sun will be eclipsed by the moon.
Learn where to go to in the Carolinas experience the total eclipse.
If you can’t travel to the path of totality for the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, August 21st, 2017, there are several events in the Triangle to view the partial eclipse that will be viewable in this area. Local library systems are taking part, both with viewing parties and with educational events leading up to the eclipse.
Scroll down to read about the solar eclipse viewing parties at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Duke Gardens and NC State’s Brickyard.
Keep in mind that you need proper eye protection to look at a partial eclipse, or the total eclipse in progress.
To look at any portion of the partial eclipse before totality, you must use special-purpose “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. To be safe, the viewer must meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for these products.
Look for Solar Eclipse Glasses online.
Here’s what’s going in in the libraries:
Wake County Public Library solar eclipse events
Wake County Public Library has several events planned. Most require advance registration and some are filling already.
Follow the links for all the necessary information, including the age range the event is intended for, the address of the library and registration.
The Science of a Solar Eclipse With Tony Rice NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador
Sunday, August 6th, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
West Regional Library
Learn the science of a solar eclipse along with some very important safety information, from NASA, about viewing an eclipse. For school age children, Kindergarten-Grade 5, and their families.
No Registration required.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties
Monday, August 21st, 2017
2 p.m.
Various libraries; see below
All are free. Some require registration. All provide solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing.
- Cameron Village Regional Library
- North Regional Library
- Cary Community Library
- East Regional Library
- Eva Perry Regional Library
- Fuquay-Varina Community Library
- Holly Springs Community Library
- Leesville Community Library
- Richard B. Harrison Community Library
- Southeast Regional Library
- Wendell Community Library
- Northeast Regional Library
- Middle Creek Community Library
Durham County Library solar eclipse events
Shadowed: The 2017 Solar Eclipse
Southwest Regional Library
Saturday, August 12th, 10:30 a.m.
Here’s your opportunity to hear an expert, Dr. John Kolena, plainly explain what makes the 2017 Solar Eclipse so special to Americans and to scientists around the world. In Durham, 95% of the sun will be covered by the moon. We will also review safe ways to observe the eclipse.
Eclipse Viewing Party
North Regional Library
Monday, August 21st, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for an all-ages eclipse viewing party! We’ll be learning about the eclipse and how to view it before going outside to watch it. Registered attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses at the event.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
East Regional Library
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Southwest Regional Library
Monday, August 21st, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Here’s a chance to celebrate the rare celestial event known as the Solar Eclipse. Though the path of totality will miss the Durham sky, there will still be the opportunity to see a partial dimming of the sky with the special, certified glasses that will be issued. In case of inclement weather, the party will be moved indoors. Enjoy moon pies and sun tea for refreshments
Chapel Hill Public Library solar eclipse event
Solar Eclipse Live Stream
Monday, August 21st
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
On the day of the total solar eclipse, we’ll be live streaming NASA’s Eclipse Megacast. This stream provides unique coverage by featuring the rare phenomenon from 11 spacecraft, 3 NASA aircraft, more than 50 high-altitude balloons, and astronauts on the International Space Station.NASA will interact with the scientists and members of the public across the country as they watch and study the eclipse.
Please note: this will be an indoor event and we will not be looking directly at the eclipse outside.
