Sunny skies forecast for tomorrow’s eclipse
As the solar eclipse crosses over the Bay State tomorrow, area residents looking for a fun place to view the phenomenon will have plenty of options.
The skies should be clear tomorrow and rain isn’t expected to dampen the rare view of the sun partially disappearing behind the moon, according to the National Weather Service. The best view of the celestial event in Massachusetts is expected to occur at 2:46 p.m., the midpoint of a show that’s expected to last about 2.5 hours.
The last time a total solar eclipse swept across the United States was in 1918.
Although solar eclipses usually occur every two or three years, tomorrow’s total eclipse is especially rare because it will be cutting a path across the United States starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina. In Greater Boston, the sun will be only partially obscured.
It’s been almost a century since a total solar eclipse was visible across North America.
Four city branches of the Boston Public Library will host viewing parties. The central branch in Copley Square is offering live streams and activities for people to learn about solar eclipses and a chance to view the eclipse from the library’s courtyard. The library, however, has already run out of special glasses due to extreme demand.
The Mattapan, South End and Adams branches are also offering a free summer lunch program, sun tea, cookies and crafts for children during the viewing.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology also will host a viewing at the Kresge Oval across the from the student center from 1:303:30 p.m. While glasses will be available, there also will be two telescopes with special filters so participants can safely look at the sun.
The Boston Children’s Museum is hosting a viewing on the boardwalk outside the museum from 1:304 p.m.
The Arnold Arboretum and the National Park Service will host an event at Bussey Hill with projection equipment set up for safe viewing. People are encouraged to bring their own eclipse-viewing glasses.
The Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center in Milton and the Centennial Common at Northeastern University also will host viewings.