“A total solar eclipse will cross North America” on April 8, according to NASA. Though Rhode Island will not be in the path of totality — areas where the moon will completely obscure the sun — Providence will still experience a maximum coverage of 90.9% at 3:30 p.m. according to a NASA eclipse tracker.
The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends using ISO-compliant eclipse viewing glasses, which prevent exposure to harmful UV and infrared rays from the sun. It also suggests using indirect viewing methods, such as using an object with small holes to “project a shadow of the eclipse on the ground,” instead of looking directly at the sun.
The Herald compiled a list of organizations hosting events leading up to and on the day of the eclipse.
The Brown Physics Department will host a seminar titled “The Wonder and Enigma of Eclipses” on April 3 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in Barus and Holley Room 190. The seminar will feature Professor of Physics Stephon Alexander, Francine Jackson, Ladd Observatory staff astronomer and research associate in physics, and Angella Johnson, the department’s demonstrations manager, according to a Today@Brown announcement.
The event will feature the physics and history of eclipses, Einstein’s theory of relativity and a demonstration of the equipment that will be used during an on-campus viewing of the eclipse.
George Hail Free Library is inviting NASA Astrophysicist Marc Kuchner to speak about solar eclipses and viewing safety. The presentation will take place on April 4 from 4:00-4:45 p.m. in the library’s Youth Services Room. All attendees are guaranteed to receive a pair of free solar eclipse viewing glasses, but should register in advance. Attendees can bring a box to build their own pinhole viewer.
The Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park will hold a “Museum SUNsational Eclipse Family Fun Days” on April 6 and 7 at 2:00 p.m. According to the City of Providence website, the planetarium will feature a full dome show that comes with museum admission. Show tickets must be purchased online.
The museum will also host a free eclipse watch party on April 8 with “hands-on activities” and “family-friendly fun,” according to their website. Each attending family will also receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses.
Coventry Public Library will have a “Children’s Drop-In Craft” event on April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
According to the library’s website, attendees will be able to “make an eclipse chalk craft to celebrate the total solar eclipse.”
Brownell Library in Little Compton will be hosting an eclipse viewing event starting at 2:00 p.m. on April 8. According to the library website, attendees will observe the eclipse progress throughout the day and predict that Rhode Island will have a maximum coverage of the sun of about 90.1% at 3:30 p.m.
The NASA R.I. Space Grant Consortium will hold an eclipse viewing event along with the Brown Physics Department on the Main Green on April 8 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The groups will offer telescopes and a safe viewing opportunity on campus.
Weaver Library will host an eclipse viewing party on April 8 from 2:00 to 4:45 p.m. According to the library website, the event will feature a photo booth, food trucks and other eclipse-related activities. There will be a limited supply of eclipse viewing glasses available for attendees.
Avani Ghosh is a Metro Editor covering politics & justice and community & activism. She is a sophomore from Ohio studying Health & Human Biology and International & Public Affairs. She is an avid earl grey enthusiast and can be found making tea in her free time.
