Wright County – and much of the state of Minnesota, in fact – will be shrouded in rain clouds for much of today’s solar eclipse.
Fortunately, NASA has you covered. You can live stream the event here (A tip: hide the chat window on the right), or here, via Time Magazine on location in Cody, Wyoming.
The eclipse should be at its peak in the Wright County, Minnesota area around noon. A shadow should appear in front of the sun around 11:30 a.m. (which is the moon passing between the sun and Earth), with most of the sun being blocked out around 12:30 p.m. The entire event should last until nearly 2 p.m.
If it clears off and you want to watch the eclipse – you can do so at Great River Regional Library locations in Monticello, Cold Spring and Staples.
From GRRL:
We’ve been hearing from a lot of people here at Great River Regional Library, wondering if we have eclipse glasses – essential for safe viewing – up for grabs.
While we do not have any glasses that you can pick up and take home with you, we will be offering eclipse viewing events – safety glasses and all – at several GRRL libraries.
Here’s the lineup:
- Staples: Monday, Aug. 21, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Call to register at 218-894-1401.
- Cold Spring: Monday, Aug. 21, 12:30-1:15 p.m. Call to register at 320-685-8281.
- Monticello: Monday, Aug. 21, 12:30pm. Call to register at 763-295-2322.
We do ask that you please call ahead and RSVP so our staff is expecting you.
It’s the first time since 1979 the continental United States will view a total solar eclipse. Minnesota will see the majority of the sun – nearly 85 percent – blocked out by the moon as it passes between the two celestial orbits.
The next total eclipse visible in the United States won’t be quite as long of a wait – NASA predicts another event in April 2024 with the best viewing from Texas up to Maine. A total eclipse following nearly the same path as this one will occur in about 28 years – or 2045.