Events in Greater Gardner to get people excited about upcoming solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. The last total solar eclipse to cross the U.S. was on April 21, 2017.
Only 13 states are in the path of totality, and most of the country will experience a partial solar eclipse. According to NASA, three New England states (Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine) are in the path of totality.
The peak totality in Burlington, Vermont, is at 3:27 p.m., just over a three-hour drive from Greater Gardner. In Lancaster, New Hampshire, the maximum totality starts at 3:29 p.m., almost a three-hour drive from Gardner. At 3:33 p.m., people can see maximum totality in Caribou, Maine, a six-hour and 22-minute drive from Gardner, .
What will the eclipse look like in Gardner?
If heading out of the state is not an option, don't worry — the Greater Gardner area will see a partial eclipse as the city is only 190 miles away from the totality path.
Greater Gardner residents will see the partial eclipse when the total solar eclipse peaks on Monday, April 8 at 3:28 p.m. The partial eclipse is expected to start at 2:14 p.m. and end at 4:38 p.m. All six municipalities in the Greater Gardner area will see a partial eclipse with a magnitude between 94% and 95%.
Local viewing programs and events
The Levi Heywood Memorial Library staff in Gardner is finalizing a solar eclipse viewing party on April 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Library Director Stephanie Young said details of the viewing party will be announced soon. She said the library has 200 solar eclipse glasses and will hand them out during the event.
Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon will not hold a viewing event on Monday, April 8. However, on Tuesday, March 26, at 6 p.m., the library will hold a Solar Eclipse tracking program for children about the science behind solar eclipses.
Forbush Memorial Library in Westminster is hosting a solar experiment event for children and adults to celebrate the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, from 3:30 to 4 p.m. To participate in the experiment, registration on the library's website is required. There are only 12 spaces available.
Where can I get solar eclipse glasses?
Certified solar eclipse glasses are essential to avoid eye damage. The Westminster Library and Winchendon Library have a limited supply of NASA-certified solar eclipse glasses for residents. Check with your local public library if they have any glasses in stock.
The American Astronomical Society lists manufacturers that make International Organization for Standardization-approved eclipse glasses. Here is a list of five different manufacturers of safety glasses and equipment.
If you can't get a free pair of solar eclipse glasses from the library, many places online sell certified safety glasses for a low cost.
GreatAmericanEclipse.com sells all kinds of eclipse-viewing glasses, including five paper glasses for $17. NationalEclipse.com sells paper eclipse safety glasses for $2.75 per pair. Amazon.com also sells approved eclipse glasses.
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This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Total solar eclipse on April 8 - the view in Gardner and getting glasses
