Solar Eclipse Parties: Monday In RI And Nearby

NARRAGANSETT, RI — The big moment for the 2017 Solar Eclipse in Rhode Island is 2:47 p.m., according to the observatories at Frosty Drew in Charlestown and the Museum of Natural History in Providence. They're both hosting parties, and they're not alone. Parties are happening at the Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton for nature lovers and at the Weekapaug Inn in Westerly. Bridgewater State University up the way on Route 24 has a viewing party at its observatory, and so does the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. Many of the public libraries are also hosting eclipse parties.

What About Special Viewing Glasses?

Many places ran out of special viewing glasses, or have almost run out, so at the Coventry Public Library, for example, people may have to share.

"We only have 25 glasses left," said Megan Weeden, reference librarian. However, sharing really shouldn't be a problem. Coventry's viewing party starts at 1:30 p.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. There will be some refreshments, and Weeden expects to stream the eclipse inside the library for people who want to stay indoors. Otherwise, everybody's meeting on the front lawn, she said.

Sharing glasses is also going to be a likely necessity at Goosewing Beach Preserve's party in Little Compton.

"There is a program on Monday to view the eclipse, however our registration for the program has reached the number of eclipse glasses we have to offer so we will not be able to provide safety glasses for any additional participants," said Celia McGuire. "I think people at the program would be willing to share since no one will view the eclipse for the full two hours." If all else fails, she's bringing a pinhole eclipse viewer for safe observation.

Westerly's Public Library is only giving glasses to the children. None will be available for adults.

Tiverton's public library is also planning an eclipse watching party. They have no more glasses for the general public, but there will be glasses available for the event.

Tiverton's eclipse party starts at 2 p.m.

The other public libraries with parties so far are Barrington, Burrillville, East Providence, Johnston, Little Compton, and North Scituate.

1. Barrington (2 p.m.)

281 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806

401.247.1920

"Stop by our tent for a snack, craft, keepsake button, and solar eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last! Viewing glasses will be provided on a first come, first serve basis at the program. All participants must wear the special glasses provided to attend this program. Be safe and visit NASA's safe viewing tips at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/s...."

2. Burrillville (1:15 to 4:15 p.m.)

Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library

100 Tinkham Lane, Harrisville, Rhode Island 02830
Phone 401-710-7800

3. East Providence (1:30 to 4 p.m.)

Weaver Library Lawn

41 Grove Ave., East Providence, RI

401-434-2453

Free eclipse viewing glasses to the first 400 to arrive. Also, live music courtesy of Jesse Liam Band, and food trucks, face painting and raffles.

4. Johnston (1 p.m.)

Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library

1 Memorial Ave

Johnston, R.I. 02919 (401) 231-4980 x205

5. Little Compton (1 to 2 p.m.)

Brownell Library

44 Commons PO Box 146 Little Compton, RI 02837

Phone: 401-635-8562

Free glasses, drinks and snacks

6. North Scituate ( 2 to 4 p.m.)

The library has 50 pairs of glasses for Monday.

Early Birds

Frosty Drew, Charlestown, opens at 10 a.m. They will have "a limited supply of Eclipse Glasses available for visitors to use. Eclipse Glasses will also be available for purchase for those interested in owning a pair." But they also have telescopes.

"Solar telescopes in both white light and hydrogen alpha will be setup for observers to catch a view of the solar photosphere and chromosphere, including views of sunspots, prominence, and filaments on the Sun. We will have solar projectors setup showcasing projected views of the Sun as well as eclipse shades on hand for safe observing of the solar photosphere^*. The Solar Eclipse starts at 1:30 p.m. and will continue until 4:00 p.m. with maximum eclipse occurring at 2:47 p.m. when the Moon eclipses 65.98% of the Sun.

The Museum of Natural History in Providence is also hosting a party that starts at 10 a.m. Solar eclipse viewing glasses are going to be given to all who buy the $2 general museum admission on Monday. They're setting up a reserved common area outside for safe viewing of the partial solar eclipse and will have NASA Tv's Total Solar Eclipse MegaCast with path of totality coverage. There is a special planetarium show at 1 p.m. (The 2 p.m. regular show is cancelled.)

Planetarium admission (includes museum admission) is $3 per person. Children under age 4 are not permitted in the planetarium.

Special Partial Eclipse programming is free with museum/planetarium admission.

Other Parties

Brown University is having a party on its main campus green at 1 p.m. (The Ladd Observatory is closed, however.)

The “Great American Eclipse” event at Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton starts at 2 p.m. Besides the celestial show, the group is planning crafts and a discussion. Goosewing Beach Preserve is one of many Nature Conservancy sites putting on eclipse parties across the U.S.

"The program is free, however, there is a parking fee at South Shore Beach for the day of $15 per vehicle," McGuire said. "The program will be at the Benjamin Family Environmental Center (directions below). Please bring a chair or blanket to get comfortable for viewing."

It's a bit of an adventure getting there. According to McGuire, the "GPS will often take you to a private gate that is NOT an entrance to the preserve. If using a GPS, the best thing to do is to enter: South Shore Road Little Compton, RI 02837. Follow S Shore road all the way to the end until you reach a dirt parking lot at a beach- you made it," she said. Portable restrooms are available in the parking lot, but there are no facilities beyond the lot. To reach the Benjamin Family Environmental Center, walk to the far end of the parking lot.

"Walk a little further down onto the beach, you will see a wooden building with informational Nature Conservancy signs as well as a sign that reads 'Goosewing Beach Preserve.' There, look to your left and you will see another sign: "Visit the Benjamin Family Environmental Center" that will lead you up a grass hill to the center. The center has a blue 'welcome' flag. Or detailed driving directions are at https://www.nature.org/ourinit...

Patch will update this story. If you know about a solar eclipse party, please let us know.