HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — You can get free solar eclipse glasses from the Huntsville Madison County public libraries this week. There is a max limit of three per adult while supplies last. Other libraries may also supply solar glasses for Saturday's event. Many events are happening ahead of the annular solar eclipse . The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is celebrating this year with different hands-on activities, presentations, and solar telescopes for people to enjoy the eclipse safely. Guests will include the Von Braun Astronomical Society, NASA, and students from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. They will all be participating in the activities happening from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The partial eclipse is set to begin at 10:38a.m. in the Huntsville area, and then the maximum coverage of almost 50 percent will be at 12:07 p.m. In addition to the activities included with general admission, a Teen Maker Hour is available for both museum guests and the general public. The solar-themed activity happens at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for ages 12 and up. Participants will get to learn about solar eclipse science, solar power production, and finish with creating their own solar-powered critter. Tickets for Teen Maker Hour are available here.
The Rocket Center will be offering free solar eclipse glasses this week with admission. During an annular eclipse, it is never safe to directly look at the Sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing. Looking directly at the sun will cause eye damage or could lead to blindness. You can review these safety guidelines to prepare for October 14, 2023.
At UNA, the Planetarium will have programs about the eclipse on Oct. 13, and, weather permitted, will have an eclipse viewing on the day of the eclipse with solar projectors, telescopes, and eclipse glasses from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
UAH will also be holding a solar eclipse viewing event on the Charger Union Lawn. They will have eclipse activities, a solar viewing tent, Galileoscopes, and solar glasses from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The event is open to anyone.
