TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY IN AUGUST 2017
MANHATTAN, KS—A total solar eclipse will take place in the Midwest on Monday, August 21 from 11:30 to 2:30, with totality beginning at 1:00 p.m. and ending at 1:05.* This is the first total eclipse to be visible in the U.S. since 1978.
The Manhattan community is invited to a free “Eclipse Viewing Party” at Manhattan Public Library, located at 629 Poyntz Avenue, from noon to 4:00 p.m. Participants can view the partial eclipse outdoors using free safety glasses provided by STAR_net, or relax indoors and watch live video of the total eclipse as it passes over North America.
In addition to the viewing party, the library is offering two free programs leading up to the big event.
On Tuesday, August 8 at 2:00 p.m., kids in kindergarten through sixth grade can “Get Ready for the Solar Eclipse.” Kids will learn about the eclipse and explore information about astronomy. They will also craft an eclipse viewer to take home.
Then on Thursday, August 10 at 11:00 a.m., preschool-aged kids can hear stories about the stars and planets at the “Solar System Storytime.”
Librarians will also be available to visit about the eclipse at the Flint Hills Discovery Center’s Community Day on Saturday, August 6 from noon to 6:00 p.m.
Anyone interested in learning more about the eclipse, astronomy, or the solar system should explore the many resources available at Manhattan Public Library.
These solar eclipse programs are made possible by a grant secured by STAR_net Science-Technology Activities & Resources for Libraries and funding from Manhattan Library Association. All programs at the library are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at (785) 776-4741 or www.MHKLibrary.org, or visit 629 Poyntz Avenue.
*Time estimates are based on information from NASA for the Lincoln, NE area, which is the closest location where the total eclipse can be observed.