Emera Astronomy Center to host free solar eclipse viewing, related programs
The Emera Astronomy Center at the University of Maine will host a free solar eclipse viewing on Monday, Aug. 21.
The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Emera Astronomy Center’s Clark Observatory located behind the planetarium on the UMaine campus.
This is the first time since 1979 that a total solar eclipse path will cross the continental United States. The next opportunity in the U.S. will not take place until 2024.
Maine is not in the path of totality, however a partial eclipse will be visible. From Orono, the eclipse will begin at 1:31 p.m. and finish at 3:55 p.m. Maximum eclipse will take place at 2:46 p.m. when 54.27 percent of the sun will be covered by the moon.
The center will have a variety of telescopes with solar filters, as well as a limited supply of free eclipse glasses for community members to safely view the event. The viewing is weather dependent, as the eclipse will not be seen in cloudy skies.
Ahead of the eclipse, the center will present two showings of “Totality: Explore the Wonders of Eclipses” at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Aug. 21. “Totality” also will be screened at 7 p.m. every Friday in August. Tickets for planetarium programs are $6 for adults; $5 for UMaine students, veterans and senior citizens; and $4 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 581.1341, or at the center’s box office before the show. Regular ticket prices apply for the Aug. 21 shows, and reservations are recommended.
Also in preparation for the main event, Shawn Laatsch, director of the Emera Astronomy Center and Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium, will give a free lecture at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16 at the Bangor Public Library. Laatsch will discuss how eclipses take place, the different types of eclipses that are visible from Earth, and how to safely view the upcoming eclipse from the Bangor region. Free solar eclipse viewing glasses will be available for attendees.
More information about the center’s solar eclipse events is online.