Update: registration for this event is full.
Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay is offering a special opportunity for people to safely watch a solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21.
The eclipse is an astronomical event in which the moon will pass between the earth and the sun. From some locations in the country, the sun will be entirely blocked out. From Yerkes, more than 80 percent of the sun will be covered, according to officials at Yerkes.
The program will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The eclipse itself begins just after 11:45 a.m., and reaches its maximum at about 1:15 p.m.
Various solar viewing instruments will be available for safely watching the eclipse, and each attendee will receive a pair of eclipse glasses, which will allow them to safely look at the sun, while supplies last.
Several other activities with eclipse information will also be provided. The hosts encourage people to arrive by 11:30 a.m., but that is not required; The event will he offered regardless of weather.
The fee for this event is $6 per person. Children 6 and younger are admitted free of charge. Registration is appreciated. Children must be accompanied by adults.
Yerkes’ regular weekday tours will be cancelled to allow everyone, including the tour staff, to focus on catching the eclipse.
For more information, see the Public Events tab on the Yerkes Outreach website at www.yerkesoutreach.org.
