If you’re staying in the Boston area for the solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, you’ll have plenty of options for viewing and celebrating.
The region falls outside the path of totality — where you can see a total eclipse of the sun — but New Englanders will still experience a partial eclipse. The moon will begin to obscure the sun here around 1:25 p.m. Monday.
The moment of totality is expected to last just two minutes and 40 seconds. In the Boston area, about 63 percent of the sun will be obscured at the height of the partial eclipse.
So grab your eclipse sunglasses and check out one of these solar-eclipse viewing events in the area.
Advertisement
Local public libraries
A variety of libraries, both inside and outside of Boston, will be hosting free solar-eclipse viewing parties at 2 p.m. on Monday, and many will even supply solar eclipse glasses for you on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Central Library in Copley Square will hold a solar eclipse party in courtyard, with educational activities for all ages. Organizers will be live-streaming the eclipse for the safest viewing.
In Dorchester, at the Adams Street branch of the Boston Public Library, you can get a sunshine mask to take home, and at the Mattapan branch, children can eat cookies and make crafts. The South End branch is also hosting a party.
The Chelsea Public Library is hosting their party on City Hall lawn at 500 Broadway in Chelsea.
Check with your local library to see if they’re hosting a party. For details, go to www.bpl.org
Boston Children’s Museum
The Boston Children’s Museum is hosting an event on the outside boardwalk, weather permitting, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., where attendees will have a chance to draw the different stages that they see and make a model showing the orbits of the Earth and the moon.
Advertisement
Glasses will be provided. 308 Congress St., Boston, www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org
Museum of Science
Due to limited outdoor space, the Museum of Science is not hosting a viewing party, but throughout the entire month of August, they will have opportunities to learn about the solar eclipse. The programs will be available throughout the day on Aug. 21.
They’ve also created a podcast about the eclipse that can be accessed here.
For more details, visit www.mos.org
Eclipse Yoga at Sunset Lake
Do a sun salutation at Sunset Lake in Braintree while the solar eclipse is taking place.
SUP Yoga — SUP for “stand up paddleboarding” — will host a special solar eclipse class on Monday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., when attendees can do yoga on a stand-up paddle board.
Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Space is limited. For details, visit www.supsonas.com
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Wallace Astrophysical Observatory in Westford is hosting a program for the solar eclipse that has already sold out.
But if you’re near MIT’s campus in Cambridge and are looking for a viewing location, the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences is hosting a viewing session at the Kresge Oval, outside the MIT Student Center.
The organizers recommend people come between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 70 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.
Northeastern University
Northeastern’s Physics Department is hosting a viewing event on the Centennial Common. They plan to have students and faculty available to answer questions about the solar eclipse. Admission is free. The eclipse will be live streamed in 114 DA in case of clouds.
Advertisement
The event will run from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 30 Leon St., Boston.
Spectacle Island
Learn about the solar eclipse on Spectacle Island with a park ranger. Children 18 and under can receive Junior Ranger booklets and badges.
Hosted in part by the National Park Service and Boston Harbor Now, the event will last from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and organizers recommend attendees take the 11:30 a.m. ferry from Long Wharf to arrive on time. Visit www.bostonharborcruises.com to buy ferry tickets.
Walk-ups are available on a limited basis, but registration is required to receive free solar eclipse glasses.
Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center
The Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center in Milton will host a viewing of the solar eclipse from their rooftop observation deck. They recommend attendees arrive between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The special viewing tour costs $10 for adults and $8 for children. 1 Observatory Service Road, Milton.
Cohasset PaddleSports
Join Cohasset PaddleSports for a solar eclipse paddling event from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The event will including work on skills and rescues, based on the ability level of the participants, and a chance to view the eclipse.
The cost is $125, which covers the event, solar eclipse glasses, and snacks. Call 617-548-1775 or e-mail info@cohassetpaddlesports.com to register.
Advertisement
Felicia Gans can be reached at felicia.gans@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @FeliciaGans.