NC Library offers solar eclipse glasses

By submitted, 07/29/17 7:55 AM

Less than a month from now, people across the region and the United States will be connected by a rare event in the heavens.

On August 21, a total solar eclipse will be visible in a narrow path from Oregon to South Carolina. Viewers in the path of totality, which spans about 70 miles (113 kilometers) wide, will see the moon directly pass in front of the sun, briefly turning day into twilight. Skywatchers outside that path will still see a partial eclipse, when part of the sun will still be in view.

Thanks to a science and technology grant, eclipse glasses are available for free inside more than 4,800 libraries across the country. More than twomillion glasses will be provided by a major outreach program initiated by the Space Science Institute (SSI).

The Prescott-Nevada County Library is offering free special glasses to view the solar eclipse August 21^st.

Looking up at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, cancause serious eye damage, which is why skywatchers need special solar-viewing glasses.

Starting August 11, people can pick up a pair of glasses at the library.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for libraries and their communities to work together to participate in a celestial event of this scope. Many organizations, like NASA, the National Science Foundation and the American Astronomical Society, are working together to help people understand and view the eclipse safely, and we are delighted to be part of this important educational effort.

In addition to theeclipse-viewing glasses, the library will receive an informational booklet about the solar eclipse that includes, times and locations for viewing events, and safe viewing techniques.

Limited Quantity: 4 Per Family