On Monday, August 21, 2017, there will be a partial solar eclipse visible in Sonoma County. Sonoma County Library staff is very excited to support our public's viewing and interest in what is being called "The Great American Eclipse," through library displays, events and classes.
Information about Eclipses and the 2017 Eclipse
A total eclipse is when the Sun is completely hidden by the Moon, the sky becomes dark, and the Sun's corona becomes visible - like a beautiful halo. This total eclipse of the Sun will be visible in the continental United States for the first time in almost 40 years. The total eclipse will only be visible on a narrow track stretching from Oregon to South Carolina across the United States. Because no other country will get to see this total eclipse, it's been nicknamed "The Great American Eclipse."
In Sonoma County, we will see a PARTIAL eclipse, where the Moon covers only a portion of the sun. The partial eclipse will begin at 9:00 am; its maximum will be at 10:15 am, and it ends at 11:36 am. It is important to use safe viewing strategies during the partial eclipse, since it is dangerous to look at without something to protect your eyes.
How to View an Eclipse Safely
It's not the eclipse that is dangerous to observe - it's the Sun! The sun's visible and invisible rays can cause damage to the sensitive tissues of the eyes, often without being aware of it. Sunglasses or smoked glasses are NOT safe. Here are some ways to watch the eclipse safely when part of the Sun is still visible:
- Use Sun filters like Eclipse Glasses to look directly at the sun.
- Use Pinhole Projectors to indirectly view the sun
Eclipse Events at the Library
Please join us for special presentations by Laura Sparks, chair of the Earth and Space Sciences Department at the Santa Rosa Junior College, to learn about the Sun and the Moon, the exciting history of eclipse-hunting, the science of eclipses, and how and where to view the August eclipse safely. Participants will receive eclipse-viewing glasses to keep, and the class will be followed by viewing the Sun through solar telescopes, weather permitting.
- Wednesday, July 26, at 6:00 pm - Rohnert Park-Cotati Library
- Thursday, July 27, at 1:00 pm - Sebastopol Library
- Saturday, July 29, at 11:00 am - Petaluma Library
- Monday, July 31, at 6:00 pm - Windsor Library
Eclipse Glasses - ALL GONE
The supply of free eclipse viewing glasses at the library is all gone. However, you can still view the eclipse safely using pinhole projectors.
- Use Pinhole Projectors to indirectly view the sun
Information adapted from "The 'All American' Eclipse: A Guide for Public Libraries and Their Communities," by Andrew Fraknoi (Foothill College) and Dennis Schatz (Pacific Science Center).
