2017 Eclipse Across America

July 28, 2017

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Hinode Observes Annular Solar Eclipse - Courtesy of NASA[/caption] If you didn’t already know, there will be a total eclipse rolling through the United States on Monday, August 21, 2017, and we are happy to announce that in collaboration with STARnet, the Washington State Library (WSL) has distributed nearly 4,000 eclipse glasses to 44 libraries across our state for safe viewing of the eclipse. Each library location will host programs filled with safety information, fun facts, and learning opportunities for the whole family. Check out the list below for more information. The Olympia area will experience about a 95% eclipse developing around 9:07am as the moon rolls east. The optimum viewing time will be at 10:19am, with the eclipse wrapping up around 11:38am. If you would like your own pair of eclipse glasses for viewing this event from your choice of location, you can find many deals online and in stores. Just make sure you use the word ‘eclipse’ in your search and verify that they are safety certified. Additional safety information can be found on the NASA website. [caption id="attachment_17889" align="alignright" width="300"]

Visualization of the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse - Courtesy of NASA[/caption] Here at WSL, we are planning our own event! It will start at 8:30am on the 21st, and go until Noon. We have 90 pairs of eclipse glasses to hand out, and they will be given out on a first come first served basis. There will be a liability waiver that each person who comes to the event will be required to sign to receive a pair of glasses. We have a speaker from the Tacoma Astronomical Society who is going to come and talk about the science behind the eclipse and answer participant questions. This is going to be an amazing event that we won’t see again at this magnitude until 2044! So bring a blanket, some snacks, and your family and come picnic with us while we watch the eclipse!

UPDATE:

We will have a reflective projection viewing area set-up outside so that those who may not get safety glasses can still watch and enjoy the eclipse!
If you’re unable to attend the WSL event, do not have safety eclipse glasses, or would just like to be creative and make your own safe eclipse pinhole viewer, there are two options on STARnet’s Resource Center webpage. Use either a cereal box or shoebox!
As parking is limited we encourage you to take public transportation to the event. The #13 bus comes right down Capitol Blvd. and stops right by the State Library (at Israel Road)

Libraries that have received glasses

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