The countdown is on for millions of sky-watchers across North America for Monday, Apr. 8, when a total solar eclipse will temporarily darken afternoon skies, and an illuminated halo will appear overhead.

Chester County Library will be joining in on this major event with various solar-themed programs scheduled throughout March and early April in the lead-up to the eclipse itself.

Here Comes the Sun – Live! (An Astronomy Event, Not a Musical)

On Sunday, Mar. 24, from 1:30-3:30 PM, you can join NASA Solar System Ambassador Don Miller and retired NASA Astronomer Roger Kennedy, who have all the right stuff to safely view the sun in white light, which involves a part of the sun called the photosphere and will show sunspots and the granularity of the sun beautifully. Also, view the special part of the emitted light called H-alpha, which shows the chromosphere where the solar prominences and other features will be visible. This event depends on clear weather, so watch your email for updates. To be sure, check the library website. Here Comes the Sun – Live! will take place in the front of the library building.

The Great Solar Eclipse Is Coming! How to View It Safely

Join Miller again on Thursday, Apr. 4, from 6:30-7:30 PM at Chester County Library as he presents everything you’ll need to know to safely observe the Great North American Solar Eclipse happening on Monday, Apr. 8. While the Philadelphia area will not experience totality, the sun will be approximately 90 percent blocked! Free solar glasses will be available to take home with you.

Viewing the Total Solar Eclipse from Hibernia County Park

The Chester County Library is hosting this event along with Chester County Parks and Preservation, NASA, The Chester County Astronomical Society, and Timmy Telescope on Monday, Apr. 8, from 2-4:30 PM in the Fiddlers’ Field at Hibernia County Park (1 Park Rd., Coatesville).

Bring friends and family and enjoy observing the eclipse with the help and expertise of local astronomy enthusiasts. Learn about eclipses and try out activities that will help understand them better. Participate in eclipse-related activities such as the GLOBE Observer-Eclipse and GLOBE Observer-Clouds programs and enter your data into the network to help scientists. Participate in a 20-minute “Sun Salutation” at 12:30 PM and/or a 20-minute “Moon Salutation” at 2 PM with Heather Marquette from 2 Crows and a Raven Yoga.

Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Plan to bring chairs and/or blankets for comfort, as well as sunscreen and water. A limited number of solar observation glasses will be available. Registration is suggested, and you will receive an email reminder. Walk-ins are welcome. Registration will close 1 day before the scheduled start time of the event.

Learn more about the mission of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries of providing informational, educational, and cultural services to the residents of Chester County so that they may be lifelong learners.