Don’t Miss the Eclipse!: Watch Parties, Events, Safety and More

August is already here and the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse is coming up quick. In Houston, only part of the total solar eclipse will be visible, but this doesn’t mean we’re celebrating any less. The last total solar eclipse viewed from the United States was on Feb. 26, 1979. It’s been 38 years since we’ve last seen one, so mark your calenders for this historical event happening Aug. 21!

The total solar eclipse will begin on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at 11:46 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m. The maximum visibility will be at 1:16 p.m.

Here are some local events and watch parties available:

• Preparing for the Solar Eclipse Workshop at the Children's Museum of Houston: Aug. 19, 2017 starting at 10:30 a.m.
• The Great American Eclipse at the Houston Museum of Natural Science {six 15-minute programs explaining the aspects of the eclipse and what it looks like from Houston}; Aug. 21, 12-2 p.m.
• Eclipse Over Houston with Lunar and Planetary Institute at Levy Park: Aug. 21, 12-2 p.m.
• The Lunar and Planetary Institute's Watch Party at the Freeman Library in Clear Lake: Aug. 21, 2017 from 12-2 p.m. 
• Solar Eclipse Demonstrations for children led by Center volunteers at the BASF Planetarium inside the Brazosport Center for the Arts and Sciences: Aug. 21, 2017, 11:46 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
• NASA feed showing the total eclipse inside the planetarium: Aug. 21, 2017 from 11:46 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

If you would rather stay inside, NASA is hosting an Eclipse Megacast providing unique broadcast coverage to watch the total solar eclipse.

Remember to wear eclipse safety glasses. If you are unsure, please check the authenticity of the glasses to ensure safety. The consequence of not using eclipse safety glasses is severe eye damage. Read about how to avoid buying counterfeit safety glasses.

In order to take precaution for the upcoming solar eclipse, here are some places offering safety glasses:

• St. Jude’s is offering Solar Eclipse glasses for safe viewing.
• The BASF Planetarium has special viewing glasses for sale for $2 at the center box.
• The Children's Museum of Houston is offering free pinhole viewer cards.
• The Stratford Library is being provided in part by the Moore Foundation with free solar eclipse glasses.
• If you need several pairs for your family, Amazon has numerous variations of eclipse glasses available, such as these. 
• Astronomers Without Boarders has solar viewing glasses online with free shipping. One hundred percent of the sale proceeds go to AWB to support astronomy programs worldwide.
• And lastly, Eclipse2017.org also has the special solar eclipse gasses for purchase.

Another option is to create your own pinhole projector at home. All you need are two pieces of white cardboard paper (paper plates work just as well) and a thumbtack. Find a tutorial to making it here.

Stay safe and enjoy this incredible event.