The countdown is on for millions of sky-watchers across North America for Monday, April 8th, when a total solar eclipse will temporarily darken afternoon skies and an illuminated halo will appear overhead.
Chester County will be joining in on this major event with various solar-themed programs scheduled throughout March and early April in the lead-up to the eclipse itself:
- Here Comes the Sun- LIVE! (An astronomy event, not a musical)
On Sunday, March 24th, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm, you can join NASA Solar System Ambassador Don Miler and retired NASA Astronomer Roger Kennedy, who have all the right stuff to safely view the sun in white light, which involves a part of the sun called the photosphere and will show sunspots and the granularity of the sun beautifully. Also, view the special part of the emitted light called H-alpha which shows the chromosphere where the solar prominences and other features will be visible. This is an event that depends on clear weather, so keep an eye on your email for updates. To be sure check the library website at www.chescolibraries.org. This event will take place in the front of the library building. Register at https://ccls.libcal.com/event/11937465
- The Great Solar Eclipse is Coming! – how to view it safely
Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Don Miller, on Thursday, April 4th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at Chester County Library as he presents everything you’ll need to know to safely observe the Great North American Solar Eclipse happening on Monday, April 8th. While the Philadelphia area will not experience totality, the sun will be approximately 90% blocked! Free solar glasses will be available to take home with you. Register at https://ccls.libcal.com/event/11877802
- Viewing the Total Solar Eclipse from Hibernia County Park
The Chester County Library is hosting this event along with Chester County Parks and Preservation, NASA, The Chester County Astronomical Society, and Timmy Telescope on Monday, April 8th from 2 – 4:30 pm in the Fiddler’s Field at Hibernia County Park, 1 Park Rd. Coatesville, PA.
Bring friends and family and enjoy observing the eclipse with the help and expertise of local astronomy enthusiasts. Learn about eclipses and try out activities that will help to better understand them. Participate in eclipse-related activities such as the GLOBE Observer-Eclipse program and GLOBE Observer-Clouds program and enter your data into the network to help scientists. Participate in a 20-minute “Sun Salutation” at 12:30 pm and/or a 20-minute “Moon Salutation” at 2 pm with Heather from 2 Crows and a Raven Yoga.
Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Plan to bring chairs and/or blanket for comfort, sunscreen, and water. A limited number of solar observation glasses will be available. Registration is suggested and you will receive an email reminder. Walk-ins welcome. Registration will close 1 day before the scheduled start time of the event. Register at https://ccls.libcal.com/event/12065509
