Eclipse prep will be offered by museum Friday
Partial solar eclipse to cross state Aug. 21
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is helping Albuquerqueans on Friday prepare for the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse.
“We want New Mexico residents to learn about this solar eclipse and find out how to enjoy it safely,” said Jim Greenhouse, the museum’s space science director, in a news release.
The eclipse will be the focus of August’s “$5 First Friday” event from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the museum.
The program will include presentations on the eclipse and how to build solar viewers at home.
The Aug. 21 eclipse is set to begin in the Albuquerque area at 10:21 a.m. with maximum, three-quarters coverage visible about 11:45 a.m. and the event ending at 1:13 p.m.
Eye protection is essential to view the eclipse, even from New Mexico, which, while not in the path of totality, will be able to see a partial eclipse.
“We have an impressive lineup of attractions happening which will make this a can’t-miss evening,” museum director Margie Marino said in a statement.
At 8:30 p.m., members of the Albuquerque Astronomical
Society will point out objects in the night sky in the observatory.
The museum’s newest DynaTheater movie, “Space Next,” will be screened at 6 p.m. for an additional $5.
The popular “First Friday Fractals,” a live show that explores the world of mathematical fractals, will be offered at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. for $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children 3-12.
Those tickets usually sell out in advance and should be purchased as early as possible, the museum advises.
The museum is located at 1801 Mountain Road NW.