Eastern Kentucky University will host a free solar eclipse viewing event on Monday, Aug. 21.
The public is invited to the University’s observation deck across Kit Carson Drive from the Perkins Building and behind the Granny Richardson Springs One-Room Schoolhouse. Some parking is available at the deck (turn at the schoolhouse), and some additional parking will be available in the Perkins Lot.
Large telescopes (with solar filters) will be available for use, and each attendee will receive special eye ware for safely viewing the eclipse, which will be 95 percent in Madison County, according to Dr. Marco Ciocca, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, who will be available to answer any questions.
The eclipse will start at approximately 1 p.m., reach its maximum at approximately 2:30 p.m. and conclude shortly before 4 p.m.
After the eclipse, Hummel Planetarium will offer a free viewing of its show, “Exploding Universe,” which targets those middle-school age and up.