Unless you’ve been in the dark, you’ll know that this Saturday, Oct. 14 is the annular solar eclipse. Although the Asheville area isn’t in the direct path of the eclipse, about 45% of the sun will be obscured during its peak at around 1:13 p.m. Here’s what you need to know to set your eyes on the skies (with proper protection, of course) for your solar celebrations.
Safety first
Because the sun is never completely blocked by the moon during an annular solar eclipse, you’ll need special eye protection for the whole viewing. If you’re looking to get your hands on a pair, all Buncombe County library branches will be providing free eclipse glasses on Saturday, Oct. 14.
You can also get creative and view the event indirectly through pinhole projection using an object with small holes in it (think: a pasta colander). Find more guidelines for safe viewing provided by NASA.
Community viewing events
Eclipse at PARI | Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, 1 PARI Dr., Rosman | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | $75 | Let the experts teach you all about the science of eclipses before viewing, complete with lunch and a guided museum tour.
Public Observing Opportunity | Parking lot P08 at UNC Asheville, 1 University Heights, Asheville | 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. | Free | The Astronomy Club of Asheville and the Physics and Astronomy Department of UNC Asheville will set up telescopes equipped with solar filters for viewing — use the campus map to find the lot.
Eclipse and mountain views
| Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Rd., Leicester | 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. | Free | Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon on the library grounds to watch the eclipse — eclipse glasses provided on a first-come, first-served basis.