Something big is about to happen!

We love nature here at Foley and take every chance we get to celebrate it. Although it may not quite be summer yet, something big is happening in Nature on April 8th, a complete Solar Eclipse! Unfortunately Minnesota is not in the direct path to see a complete eclipse. Most of Minnesota will see a 75 percent partial eclipse, according to the Bell Museum. Southeastern Minnesota will see an 80 percent partial eclipse or more, Allen said. It will start around 1 p.m., peak around 2 p.m. and end by 3:10 to 3:15 p.m.

This means we have only a little time to prepare for our Eclipse! Check out 5 must knows on how to prepare and watch the Eclipse below…

 1. Don’t stare directly at the sun!

Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. You will need safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker. If you don’t have eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, you can use an indirect viewing method, which does not involve looking directly at the Sun.

2. Make your own Eclipse Projector!

Check out this Youtube video on how to create a Box Pinhole Projector. This is a great option if you have not gotten Eclipse glasses for the event. It can be a very fun activity for the whole family to share in. Remember the longer a box you use, the bigger the eclipse will appear in your projector.

3. Head to a watch Party!

Your school may e planning to watch the even already. If you live in or around the Twin Cities area, there are several different watch parties you could attend with other excited Eclipse watchers like yourself. You might even run into a Foley friend!

• The Bell Museum in St. Paul is hosting a watch party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will also livestream the eclipse and have glasses for purchase, starting at $3 per pair.
• The Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul is offering a package with admission and glasses.
• Bethel University has a viewing event from 12:45 to 3:15 p.m. on the lawn next to Benson Great Hall in St. Paul.
• Sibley State Park in Willmar will have experts on hand and a kids craft available from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Wild River State Park in Center City will have a safe telescope and glasses from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Minneopa State Park in Mankato will have naturalists available to answer questions and an all-ages craft from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
• Winona State University is hosting a free, public viewing event from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the lawn with eclipse glasses, special solar telescopes and pinhole projectors available. The school is also livestreaming the eclipse in the Science Lab Center’s atrium.
  

4. Get some Eclipse Glasses!

You still have a little time to get some ordered! You can buy glasses here. But be careful! There are fakes that have entered the market, and these could seriously damage your eyes. Check out this link on what to and not buy.

5. Look up exactly when you need to be ready!

Now that you have your glasses and Pinhole Projector its time to watch the eclipse. If you live in Minnesota, go to this link and find your town. This will tell you exactly when the eclipse will occur where you are so you won’t miss a single second of it.

While there are no Solar Eclipses happening this summer in Minnesota, lots of other things will happen! We will be hosting science club nights this summer at Camp Foley. Campers will remember making slime and Diet coke volcanoes last year. Interested? Check out the Camp Foley dates and rates here!