On Saturday, October 14, Eugene will be one of the only places on earth to view an annular solar eclipse on its path across North, Central and South America. If skies are clear locally, a partial eclipse will become visible at 8:06 a.m., the greatest effect will appear from 9:16-9:20 a.m., and the view will return to normal at 10:39 a.m.
Eugene Science Center will hold a free eclipse viewing party on Sat., Oct. 14, 8:30-10 a.m., weather permitting. Learn more about this eclipse at NASA's website and be sure to check the eclipse viewing safety precautions. Inexpensive protective glasses are widely available at stores and online.
Leading up to the date, join Eugene Public Library for fun and educational free events.
Each participant at these Downtown Library programs will receive a free pair of protective glasses:
Eclipse-a-Palooza - for tweens, ages 9-12
Tuesday, September 26, 4 p.m., Downtown Library
Make UV bead bracelets that change color in sunlight.
Light Up Lanterns - for teens, ages 13-19
Wednesday, October 4, 5 p.m., Downtown Library
Create art with light by designing a lantern.
Fun with Eclipses - for kids ages 5-9 with their grownups
Sunday, October 8, anytime 1-5 p.m., Downtown Library
Play with eclipse chalk art, make an eclipse book, and craft a case for your eclipse glasses.
Craft a Moon Phase Wall Hanging - for adults
Sunday, October 8, 4 p.m., Downtown Library
Wednesday, October 11, 11 a.m., Sheldon Branch Library
Craft a wall hanging using wood discs, paint and beads to illustrate the monthly phases of the moon.
Space is limited. Choose one session and sign up online starting Friday, Sept. 15.
Illustrated talk: The Sun & the Moon & Eclipses, Oh My! - for adults and teens
Tuesday, October 10, 4 p.m., Downtown Library
An informative and entertaining presentation by Dr. Scott Fisher, University of Oregon physicist and Director of Pine Mountain Observatory.
Create with Cardboard - for kids ages 5-9
Thursday, October 12, 4 p.m., Downtown Library
Play with cardboard and make an eclipse viewer.
Additionally, our neighborhood branches will offer ongoing drop-by activities (without glasses giveaway):
Eclipse Art: Light and Shadow - for all ages
Anytime Monday, October 9 through Saturday, October 14, Bethel Branch
Visit to get creative with sun prints and shadow art. Or pick up a take-home kit.
Eclipse Crafts - for all ages
Anytime Monday, October 9 through Friday, October 13, Sheldon Branch
Visit to make eclipse chalk art, a book or a glasses case.
Learn more about eclipses at the NASA website or ask at the library anytime for books and other materials on this topic -- or any topic you're interested in!