Great American Eclipse: Local viewing parties

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — For the first time in 90 years, the path of totality will sweep across the US Monday afternoon.

While Southern New Englanders will not see a full solar eclipse, that is not stopping locals from getting in on the excitement.

The solar eclipse is already predicted to be the most watched event of its kind. Local observatories, libraries, and museums are holding parties throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts for interested sky gazers.

Rhode Island sky-watchers who are looking for the best place to catch Monday’s solar eclipse will have some options. Libraries, museums, and observatories across the state are rolling out all the stops.

Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown will have eclipse glasses on hand and telescopes to help viewers get the best look.

Seagrave Memorial Observatory, the Museum of Natural History, and Weaver Library will hold watch parties.

This marks the first time in 100 years a total eclipse will stretch across the US.

Southern New Englanders will only see a partial eclipse. However, places like South Carolina, Kentucky, and Oregon will experience a total eclipse.

Several Rhode Islanders are making the once in a lifetime trip.

“Two years ago, we actually made our hotel reservations, about a year ago, locked in our flight, several months ago got the car rental. My first one was up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Then, in 1991, I went down to Oaxaca, Mexico to see what was the longest one of the century,” said Francine Jackson; Lass Observatory Staff Astronomer.

Many of the small towns in the path of totality are experiencing an overwhelming amount of traffic and crowds.

A reminder for those looking to take in the solar eclipse you will need to wear proper sunglasses.

You will need to wear solar glasses with a special ISO number in order to view the phenomenon safely.

If you cannot get your hands on those coveted glasses though, you can make a pin hole camera out of any old cardboard box.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017