When and what is it?
Next Monday, August 21, Charlotte will experience a partial eclipse starting at 1:12 p.m. and peaking at 2:41 p.m. (depending on your exact location). It’s a big deal because it’s the first time in a longtime that there’s been a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse (think Oregon to Charleston, S.C.). While it’s an approximately three-hour event, we are talking about almost two minutes of complete darkness here, people!
What do I need to wear?
No, they’re not sexy but you must buy the special glasses if you are going to look at the sun during the eclipse. You’re everyday sunglasses will. not. cut. it. No, not even your fancy pair. You need to make sure your eclipse glasses are not scratched or cracked, have the ISO logo and come from an approved manufacturer – check-out NASA’s super easy infographic here – it’s like they have a bunch of really smart people working there or something.
In terms of buying your glasses, there’s still time to order online, but choose a trustworthy site. Fake eclipse glasses are a real problem and are out there. Here’s a story from WCNC and weather-celeb Brad P on that. And we found this handy source of chain stores who carry them on USA Today:
Best places to watch?
While our friends farther South including Greenville, Columbia and Charleston or in higher elevations (N.C. mountains) may experience a total eclipse they will also experience a higher percentage of visiting crowds… most places in North Carolina will see a partial eclipse of 90 percent totality or more. Being near the path of totality works just fine for many Charlotteans and there’s plenty of celebrations around town to choose from including Discovery Place Science.
“People are particularly excited about August 21 because the last total solar eclipse to travel across the United States from west coast to east coast was in 1918. Since then, there hasn’t been a solar eclipse visible from Charlotte in many decades. The last few solar eclipses in our city have only been about 40-60%, so seeing a 98% eclipse will be both a rare and exciting event,” said Kaylan Petrie, Director of STEM & School Experiences at Discovery Place.
Discovery Place Science’s ticketed event for the Solar Eclipse Party is sold out but you can still get tickets to the uptown Museum for special day-of activities and view the eclipse from the surrounding streets.
Don your special glasses and call it the ‘best Monday in almost 100 years’ and head to these locations:
Discovery Place Nature is having a free ‘tailgate style’ event in the parking lot. Get there prior to the 1:30 p.m. start and bring your lawn chairs and kid-friendly beverages. King of Pops will be there with “Eclipsicles” for purchase along with Discovery Place educators… priorities.
Great American Eclipse – Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries (glasses not provided)
Solar Eclipse Viewing – Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (glasses not provided)
Celebrate the Solar Eclipse – ImaginOn (glasses not provided)
QC Skyline Eclipse Viewing Party – City Lights Rooftop (glasses included with ticket price)
Solar Eclipse Weekend – The Schiele Museum (free and ticketed events/ glasses included with some advanced packages)
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party – Sycamore Brewing. (Free pair of glasses with a purchase of a beer/glass of wine/kombucha/ King of Pops popsicle. Beer specials. Food Truck on-site serving lunch. Family-friendly.)
Great American Eclipse Viewing Party – Windgate University (glasses provided)
Scoop Tip: Even if glasses “are provided” bring at least one pair of your own for your group to share, in case they run out!)
