Solar Eclipse Aug. 21, 2017: Where To Watch In Twin Cities

TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesotans will be able to enjoy a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime (or twice) partial solar eclipse next week, weather permitting. Everything you need to know about the eclipse in the Twin Cities metro, including what time it happens, the weather forecast, safety tips, where you can get special glasses, and more is below.

What time will it happen, and how much of the sun will be covered?

The total phase of this solar eclipse will not be visible in Minnesota, but it can be observed here as a partial solar eclipse, according to timeanddate.com. The Moon will cover a large portion of the Sun, and it will be an amazing sight regardless.

Here's when it will happen in the Twin Cities:

• Starts: Aug. 21 at 11:43 a.m.
• Maximum point in Minneapolis: Aug. 21 at 1:06 p.m.
• Ends: Aug. 21, 2017 at 2:29 p.m.

NASA will have live video from several cities around the United States. For a more specific timeline for your own neighborhood, check out Vox's handy search tool by zip code.

Where to Watch

Viewing parties in the Twin Cities will be hosted at the following locations:

• Mall Of America Has Safe Space To Watch

• Silverwood Park (2500 Co Rd ESt Anthony, MN 55421)
• Afton State Park (6959 Peller Ave South Hastings, MN 55033)
• Galaxie Meeting Room (L139) (Apple Valley)
• Science Museum of Minnesota (Saint Paul)

For an updated weather forecast: Solar Eclipse Twin Cities Forecast, Timeline

What should I know about safety during the eclipse?

Even during an eclipse, you should never, ever, ever look at the sun directly, as it will cause permanent damage to your eyes. The only exception is the few moments when the sun is completely covered by the moon in the "band of totality." Since we aren't located in the band of totality, that doesn't apply to us.

Special glasses are available to view the sun during the eclipse. Only use those, or a pinhole projector, to view the solar eclipse.

Where can I get these special glasses?

The Park Foundation will provide a limited number of solar viewing glasses, which will be distributed at the programs. These glasses are important to avoid severe eye damage while watching the eclipse. You should never stare directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, without special glasses.

If you'd like to just order them, they're available on Amazon for about $15 each. However, be warned: some glasses are counterfeit or at least simply not certified for eclipse viewing, and you could damage your eyes by using them.

Just because they're stamped with an ISO seal, indicating they comply with standards set by the International Organization for Standardization, that doesn't mean they're safe as anyone can put that stamp on them.

Reports have emerged that companies have been printing the ISO logo and certification label on fake eclipse glasses to make a quick buck.

Some are even putting falsified test results on their websites. The American Astronomical Society has posted a list of vendors that are approved to produce eclipse glasses.

Dan Taylor (Patch Staff) contributed to this report.

Photo credit: AP Photo, File