Events on tap in Yuma for eclipse
Viewing party scheduled in main library
All are invited to join the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday at the Yuma Main Library which will serve as a hub of activity for the astronomical event.
The Eclipse Party will take place from 9:15 a.m. to noon at the library, which is located at 2951 S. 21st Dr. The library can be reached at (928) 782-1871.
Offering an educational opportunity, attendees will get to learn more about the eclipse and view it through a solar telescope. A number of schoolchildren will also be in attendance for their chance to engage in the learning experience.
Proper viewing glasses will also be given out at the party-one pair per person-as supplies last. Additionally, there will be a showing of the NASA live stream of the solar eclipse event during the party.
“We are really excited about this event,” said Sarah Wisdom, community relations manager for the Yuma County Library District. “It really lends itself nicely to a space exhibit that we are getting in Sep- tember. We will also be giving out informational fliers about that at the party.”
At the start of the party, attendees are to gather in meeting rooms A, B and C. Then, party goers will be directed to the north lawn area of the library.
“The response to the upcoming solar eclipse has been so much more than anybody anticipated,” Wisdom said. “The interest is just amazing. We are really looking forward to it.”
Wisdom noted as the interest in the upcoming solar eclipse has been great, she expects a large turnout at Monday’s party.
She added those who are not able to snag a pair of viewing glasses should they run out need not fret as the solar telescopes will provide an opportunity to safely view the eclipse without the glasses.
“Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a pair of glasses because we will have those four telescopes set through the whole event,” Wisdom said. “There has really been a demand for the glasses and we just want to let people know that we have the telescope option.”
The telescopes will be provided by members of the Foothills Astronomy Club who will guide attendees on how to view the event through the devices.
Families are also invited to attend solar eclipse viewing events hosted by Alice Byrne Elementary School and Valley Horizon Elementary School.
Alice Bryne, located 811 W 16th St., will hold their viewing from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Students and teachers will be on the playground to view the solar eclipse and each child will have viewing glasses, which can be shared with parents and guardians.
The Solar Eclipse viewing event at Valley Horizon, which is located at 4501 W 20th St., will take place from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Attendees are invited to bring lawn
chairs, blankets and hats.
Science teacher at Valley Horizon Elementary School Elizabeth
Colton said students have also made box pinhole projectors to view the eclipse on the ground. She noted that safety and fun will be stressed at the viewing.
Colton told the Yuma Sun students will be learning
about various topics concerning the eclipse such as the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse, the percentage of the solar eclipse Yumans will be able to view on Monday as well as the significance
of the event.
“It is pretty rare for it to go across North America,” Colton said. “We want people to enjoy it, make memories with their family and be able to say ‘Oh, I did see the solar eclipse in 2017!’”