Library plans educational program
By Robert Cloud
A total solar eclipse will be visible along a path in the United States on Monday, Aug. 21.
Although Waupaca County residents will not be able to see a total eclipse, the moon will cover a large part of the sun, which will appear as a crescent of bright light.
The partial eclipse will begin shortly before noon, reach its maximum coverage at 1:15 p.m. and end about 2:30 p.m. in Waupaca County.
Those who want to view the eclipse should wear special eclipse glasses to avoid serious damage to their eyes.
The Waupaca Area Public Library will host a program on the solar eclipse at 2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17.
The program is free and open to the public.
Sara Pate, a science teacher at Amherst High School, will explain how, where and when to see the eclipse safely.
The program will also show how to enjoy this eclipse as a learning experience.
NASA has provided videos about the eclipse for the library to screen, as well as pairs of certified eclipse glasses that will be given away at no charge to people who come to the program.
“There will be hands-on activities for families,” said Sue Abrahamson, the youth librarian.
Abrahamson said families may bring empty shoeboxes or cereal boxes to make pinhole cameras.
“It’s called the All-American Eclipse because it’s been 40 years since the last total eclipse was seen in the United States,” Abrahamson said.
Total solar eclipses are rare. The path of the next one in North America will sweep from New England to Texas in 2024 and again from Florida to California in 2045.
A total solar eclipse will be visible in Wisconsin in 2099.