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2024 Total Solar Eclipse

What is an Eclipse? An eclipse is a special event that occurs when one celestial body passes through the shadow of another celestial body. The most common types of eclipses we observe here on Earth are solar eclipses and lunar eclipses.
Total Solar Eclipse. In a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, and the sky becomes dark. People in the path of totality, where the moon's shadow falls, can see the sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona.

Solar Eclipse Glasses

A limited number of American Astronomical Society approved solar eclipse viewing glasses will be available to Wead Library Solar Eclipse event attendees beginning Tuesday, March 5. To receive solar eclipse viewing glasses, attend an event from the Library's Solar Eclipse Schedule.  Solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.

Instructions for All Solar Eclipses

  • Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.

  • Always supervise children using solar filters.

  • If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on. Put your eclipse glasses on over them, or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.

  • Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright Sun. After looking at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the Sun.

  • Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.

  • Without Solar Eclipse glasses: do not look directly at the sun during the eclipse (except during the limited time of totality when the sun is completely covered by the moon—and even then, with caution).

  • Sunglasses will NOT protect your eyes.

  • If your eyes are exposed to the sun without the appropriate protection, it can cause “eclipse blindness,” which can temporarily or permanently damage your eyes.

 

For full health and safety information visit the American Astronomical Society

Sponsors:  

GLOBE Observer 

STAR Library Network (STAR Net) 

Eclipse Glasses
Safety

Total Solar Eclipse Events

The Wead Library will offer several events in the weeks leading up to the total solar eclipse, including:

March 5th | 5 p.m.

Raven Steals the Sun: Native American Eclipse Stories 

Presented by Perry Ground – Master Storyteller 

Native American Tribes across North America have stories to explain these solar events and view them in many different ways – as a signal or a transformation, 

as omens, as sacred, and as a celebration. 

 

March 13 | 4 p.m.

Teen Event: Escape Room - For Teens ages 13 to 18. 

Calling all TEENS! Have you ever wanted to test your knowledge and skills in an escape room? Now’s your chance! Teens are welcome to join us on Wednesday, March 13th for snacks & adventure. You’ll work together to solve puzzles and escape the room before the clock runs out!   

Registration is required for this event.

Register by calling the Wead Library at (518) 483-5251. 

 

March 15th | 5 p.m.

Solar Eclipse Cloud Observation - Adults 

Join us to understand why scientists are studying clouds and how YOU can help by collecting data using the GLOBE Observer app! GLOBE Clouds is an app-based tool that will help you document what you see in the sky. 

 

March 21 | 3:30 p.m.

Space Book Worms – Ages 5-9 

Celebrate the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse with the library! Get free solar eclipse glasses, learn about the solar eclipse, and explore outer space through books and activities. 

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March 23 | 10 a.m. - Noon

The Sun and the Moon Story Time: Totality!

Join us at the Community Center in Owls Head, NY for the Solar Eclipse Celebration. Stop by our booth for The Sun and the Moon Story Time: Totality!, crafts, and solar eclipse safe viewing information for children ages 12 and under.

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March 27| 5 - 7 p.m.

Solar Eclipse Acrylic Painting - Adults

Artist Cindy Gadway will guide you through painting your very own solar eclipse-themed painting! Supplies are provided. There is a fee of $10 per person that must be paid for in advance.

Seating is limited to 20. Refreshments and snacks provided.

In-person registration is required for this event. Register by visiting the circulation desk at the Wead Library.

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April 1 | 4:30 p.m.

Children Safety and Info Session – Children 12 & Under

Join us for a presentation about safe viewing practices for the upcoming solar eclipse! After, test your knowledge with an activity.

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April 2 | 11 a.m.

Space Story Hour –Toddler Time

Join us to understand why scientists are studying clouds and how YOU can help by collecting data using the GLOBE Observer app! GLOBE Clouds is an app-based tool that will help you document what you see in the sky. 

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April 2 | 4:30 p.m.

Out of this World Keychains - Ages 9-12

Calling all TWEENS! Create your own solar system-themed perler bead keychain using the patterns provided—or your imagination! Supplies are provided.

Registration is required for this event.

Register by calling the Wead Library at (518) 483-5251.

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April 3 | 3:30 p.m.

Space LEGO Club

Join us for a special space-themed LEGO Club. Use your imagination to build out-of-this-world creations!

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April 4 | 11 a.m.

Space Story Hour – Preschool

Learn about the science of eclipses with spectacular stories about the sun and moon and an eclipse-themed craft at the end.

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April 4 | 5 p.m.

Info Session for Teens & Adults

Join us for a presentation about safe viewing practices for the upcoming solar eclipse! After, test your knowledge with an activity.

 

April 5 | 5 p.m.

Space Story Hour Evening

 Learn about the science of eclipses with spectacular stories about the sun and moon and an eclipse-themed craft at the end.

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April 6 | 12 p.m.

Solar System Film

The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station (2021)

In this documentary, astronauts share in their own words their experiences in the International Space Station. Not rated.

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April 8 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!

Prepare for the eclipse with a short, information session on safe viewing. Then, take your glasses outside to view the eclipse (weather permitting). Peak viewing time will be between 3:20 and 3:30 p.m. A craft will also be available while supplies last.

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A limited number of American Astronomical Society approved solar eclipse viewing glasses will be available to Wead Library Solar Eclipse event attendees beginning Tuesday, March 5. To receive solar eclipse viewing glasses, attend an event from the Library's Solar Eclipse Schedule.  

Solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.

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Eclipse Events
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