Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s today’s total solar eclipse .
According to NASA , while Raleigh isn’t in the eclipse’s path of totality, our region will experience a partial eclipse today from ~1:59 p.m. to ~4:29 p.m. Our maximum view of the phenomenon — when the sun is 78.6% blocked by the moon — is expected at 3:15 p.m.
Remember, you’ll need a pair of solar viewers to safely see the eclipse; be sure to brush up on NASA’s safety guidelines .
If you’re looking to join a free viewing party, try these:
- The Great American Eclipse Viewing Party | 2-4:30 p.m. | Wake Forest Community Library | Registration is required to snag a pair of eclipse viewing glasses.
- Solar Eclipse Viewing Party | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Holly Springs Community Library | Make eclipse-themed art and “galaxy slime,” and view the eclipse with glasses provided by the library.
- Solar Eclipse Party | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Wendell Community Library | Enjoy space-themed activities; the first 50 people to register get a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses.
If you’ve got your solar viewers are plan to catch the eclipse at a local park
to catch the solar eclipse, these are some of our favorites: