A visible solar eclipse is occurring on August 21st! We won't be able to see the total eclipse from our geographic location, but we will be able to see about 80-85% of the sun covered by the moon during the afternoon of August 21. Of course you can see it from your backyard, but there are several solar eclipse viewing events and activities in our area if you want to learn more about eclipses and receive viewing glasses:
- There will be a solar eclipse viewing party at Riverbend Park. Fairfax County Park Authority is also hosting eclipse viewing parties at its other park locations and you can register for them here.
- There is a viewing party at Lake Anne Elementary School for Lake Anne Elementary families. Click here for more info.
- Observe the Solar Eclipse at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly.
- Make Pinhole Viewers at Ashburn Library from August 14-21.
- Viewing Party at Herndon High School with 1,000 pairs of free glasses.
Safety first!! It is dangerous to look directly at a partial eclipse, and some vendors are selling cheap knock-off glasses that won't protect you. For safety information, please read NASA's article about viewing the eclipse safely.
For a DIY way to view partial eclipses and to learn more about how eclipses happen, read here.
