You would have to be living under a rock if you weren’t aware of the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. According to TheGreatAmericanEclipse.com, millions of people in the U.S. are preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience by travelling to the areas where the sun will be completely blocked out for about two minutes.
In the Sacramento area, only a partial eclipse will be visible with about 80 percent coverage. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy the phenomenon. Numerous organizations are planning viewing parties to help families enjoy the event.
It is important to note that to properly and safely view the eclipse, specialty eclipse glasses are required if looking directly at the sun. Sunglasses are not sufficient in protecting one’s eyes from the damage that staring directly at the sun does.
CapRadio has compiled a list of eclipse-related events across the area that are open to the public.
In Sacramento
August 19 | Noon | The Powerhouse Science Center | Sacramento
The United States Postal Service is hosting an eclipse stamp dedication ceremony on the Powerhouse grounds at noon on August 19. The ceremony is free to the public.
August 21 | 9 a.m. | The Powerhouse Science Center | Sacramento
On the day of the eclipse, the Powerhouse Science Center is holding an eclipse observation beginning at 9 a.m., but keep in mind that their website says that they are completely sold out of eclipse glasses if you are planning on going to this event. Immediately after the eclipse viewing, the planetarium at the Powerhouse Science Center will have an eclipse themed show starting at 11 a.m.
August 21 | 9 a.m. | Sacramento State | Sacramento
Sac State will be holding a viewing party at the top of the American River Levee just north of the Hornet Bookstore. They will also have eclipse viewing glasses, telescopes with solar filters, and pinhole cameras.
August 21 | 9 a.m. | Sacramento State Aquatic Center | Sacramento
The Sac State Aquatic Center will be celebrating the eclipse with a Solar Eclipse Paddle Trip led by one of the kayaking instructors. You must pre register for this event, and tickets are $20 for Sac State students, $25 for affiliates, and $30 for the general public.
In West Sacramento
August 21 | 9:30 a.m. | Arthur F. Turner Community Library | West Sacramento
This exciting, educational, and rare solar event will be viewed outside the library’s Community Room. The first 150 people will be given special eclipse glasses for safe viewing. The West Sacramento Branch Library will be open regular hours, from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. This program is co-sponsored by The City of West Sacramento and the West Sacramento Friends of the Library
In Davis
August 21 | 9:30 a.m. | Mary L. Stevens Davis Branch Library | Davis
Listen to an introductory discussion on eclipses and how to safely view them, then engage in eclipse-related activities, including an eclipse-themed story time and a variety of hands-on STEAM activities. Participants may view the eclipse through the library’s solar telescope and sun spotter. The first 100 attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses, limit one pair per family. This special event will be held outside. The Davis Branch Library will be open regular hours, from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Davis Public Library.
In Coloma
August 21 | 9 a.m. | American River Conservancy | Coloma
The American River Conservancy will be holding an eclipse viewing event where they will have Community Observatory experts, telescopes, and provide solar glasses. The suggested donations for this even is $5 for members, and $10 for non-members. Contact ARC to sign up and for meeting location.
In Tracy
August 21 | 10 a.m. | Tracy Branch Library | Tracy
The Tracy Library will be holding an eclipse party at 10 a.m and will provide eclipse glasses as well as breakfast snacks.
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Still want to enjoy the eclipse but don't have any eclipse viewing glasses and can't make it to any of the events? You can always make your own pinhole camera to safely watch the eclipse, and you can also watch the NASA live stream where they will be covering the eclipse as it passes through the U.S.
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