SAN DIEGO (KGTV)--If you're looking for a way to celebrate the Great American Eclipse in San Diego, consider joining in a "Sky Party" at your local public library.
Even if San Diego isn't on the path of the total eclipse, residents are still excited to see about a 60 percent eclipse and the San Diego Public Library has planned family-friendly offerings leading up to the unique event on August 21.
First, on Saturday, Aug. 19, libraries will hold workshops featuring Scripps Institute of Oceanography scientists, who will help prepare families to observe and experience the eclipse. Participants will learn about the solar system, how and why eclipses occur and build pinhole cameras to help view the eclipse.
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The free science workshop, which is part of the San Diego Public Library's NExT program of STEAM education, will be held at the following locations:
- Logan Heights Library from 10 a.m. to noon
- Serra Mesa - Kearny Mesa Library from 10 a.m. to noon
- Tierrasanta Library from 10 a.m to noon
- Mira Mesa Library from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Rancho Peñasquitos Library from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Then, on Aug. 21, the day of the Great American Eclipse, "Sky Party" will be held at most city library locations at 9:45 a.m.
Enthusiasts will be provided with solar eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies last) and staff will demonstrate other ways to view the eclipse, like the pinhole camera.
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At five libraries there will also be a livestream featuring a team of astronomers from San Diego who will broadcast from Madras, Oregon, which is directly in the path of the total eclipse. The livestream will feature hosts, live commentary and the eclipse itself as shown from four telescopes.
Sky Party + livestream locations:
- San Diego Central Library
- Logan Heights Library
- Rancho Peñasquitos Library
- University Community Library
- North University Community Library
Sky Party locations:
- Allied Gardens-Benjamin Library
- Balboa Library
- Carmel Valley Library
- College-Rolando Library
- Kensington-Normal Heights Library
- La Jolla-Riford Library
- Linda Vista Library
- Mira Mesa Library
- North Clairemont Library
- North Park Library
- Oak Park Library
- Ocean Beach Library
- Otay Mesa-Nestor Library
- Pacific Beach Library
- Paradise Hills Library
- Point Loma Library
- Rancho Bernardo Library
- San Ysidro Library
- Scripps Miramar Ranch Library
- Tierrasanta Library
