Celebrate The Solar Eclipse At Chester County Library

EXTON, PA — Chester County Library is one of more than 1,000 across the nation hosting a celebration for the "celestial event of the century."

The celebration will be held during the eclipse from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. next Monday, Aug. 21.

A partial eclipse of the sun by the moon will be visible from the Chester County and surrounding area. Around 75 percent of the sun will be obstructed from view.

The eclipse will hit the area at about 1:21 p.m., peak at about 2:44 p.m. and end at 4:01 p.m. on Aug. 21. The farther south you go, the more you'll be exposed, until you hit Charleston, South Carolina.

The viewing itself will take place at Exton Park on 132 Church Farm Lane in Exton. Safe viewing glasses will be distributed to the first 100 participants. Register here for the viewing party.

Because it is unsafe to look directly at the sun, anyone wishing to see the phenomenon should protect their eyes with specially-made and certified filters or by observing the eclipse indirectly. Direct viewing can be done safely with "No. 14 arc welder glass" or with eclipse viewing glasses that meet the following criteria outlined by NASA:

• Have certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard
• Have the manufacturer’s name and address printed on the product
• Not be used if more than three years old or with scratched or wrinkled lenses

See here for more tips and safety information regarding the solar eclipse.

Image via Chester County Library