Free options to watch Monday’s eclipse safely

All of America will be looking up on Monday when a total solar eclipse covers the sun from sea to shining sea.

People also will be looking for proper eye protection, which is necessary to safely view the magical event. But solar glasses are a hot commodity as interest reaches a frenzied pitch.

Some South Florida libraries are giving away free solar glasses, while supplies last, at special events. More about that in a moment.

First, some background. The track of the total annular solar eclipse will begin in Oregon and end near South Carolina, where only the sun’s corona — known as the ring of fire — will be visible, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Solar 101 website.

Here in South Florida, the partial eclipse begins at 1:26 p.m. and runs until 4:20 p.m. Peak viewing is at 2:57 p.m., when nearly 80 percent of the sun will be covered.

Watch NASA TV’s live stream at Eclipse2017.nasa. gov/eclipse-live-stream starting at noon with coverage from 12 locations, airplanes, telescopes and 57 high altitude balloons.

Back on Earth, sign up to attend fun library events held at many South Florida branches. A few months ago, libraries nationwide began giving away millions free glasses that were distributed to over 7,000 branches by STAR_Net, a science activity resource for libraries. They’re all out now. However, libraries held some glasses in reserve to distribute during scheduled events. To sign up, go to SunSentinel.com/Eclipse.

The Great American Eclipse is a major travel event, too, with untold numbers flocking to the path of totality when the moon begins darkening a 70-mile wide swatch from Oregon to South Carolina. If you’re really bothered that you won’t be in the path of totality witnessing one of nature’s grandest shows, here’s a tip. Get up in the middle of the night and have a look around for about eight seconds. That’s what it will be like. Go back to bed.

Joking aside, if you don’t have approved eyewear, you can make your own free pinhole projector in five easy steps using items found around the house. It’s also a terrific project for kids, who should be closely supervised during the viewing period.

1. You’ll need two pieces of white heavy-stock paper (paper plates will work, too); aluminum foil; tape; and a paper clip or pin.

2. Cut a square hole in the center of a piece of heavy-stock paper.

3. Tape aluminum foil over the hole.

4. Poke a hole in the foil with the paper clip or pin.