MARK YOUR CALENDAR

July 22

▲ No, the solar eclipse will not be July 22, but that’s the first evening to mark on your calendar. That’s the night that Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will be at Hobbs State Park to explain the approaching solar phenomenon and how to enjoy it when it does come on Aug. 21. The eclipse lecture is at 7:45 p.m., with night sky viewing at 8:45 p.m. What’s going to happen? This year millions of people across the United States will see one of nature’s most amazing spectacles. In the path of totality, the Moon completely blocks the Sun, daytime becomes a deep twilight, and the Sun’s corona shimmers in the darkened sky; however, you would have to be in the right place, and that’s a line from central Idaho to central Nebraska to central Missouri to Nashville and on east. In northwest Arkansas, we will experience about 92 percent totality, so although we will not experience the deep twilight and Sun’s corona, we will enjoy a fascinating chance to study the Sun. Dr. Katherine Auld will explain the geometry of a total eclipse, the history of eclipse science, and the opportunities for that day. The lecture will end with an explanation of viewing the night sky and a simple night sky tour. Hobbs State Park Visitor Center is located on Arkansas Highway 12 just east of the War Eagle Road intersection. There is no cost. For more information, call 479-789-5000.

Aug. 2

▲ Bella Vista Historical Museum will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. instead of the current schedule of noon to 4 p.m. This will free up docents to have lunch before they come to the museum, plus it lets us accommodate those visitors who wish to visit the museum in the late afternoon.

▲ United Methodist Women at First United Methodist Church are holding their annual Rummage Sale on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 20 Boyce Drive, Bella Vista. Email khsd64@cox.net or call 479-721-2902 with any questions.