Solar eclipse viewing event at Southold observatory

The Custer Observatory in Southold is hosting a viewing event for the total solar eclipse slated for next month.

The event, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, April 8, will allow visitors to view the eclipse through the observatory’s filtered high-powered telescopes and certified safe solar eclipse viewing glasses that will be provided.

This rare celestial event–there won’t be another total solar eclipse in our area for 20 years–occurs when the moon aligns with the sun, creating a shadow across the Earth along the path of totality. On Long Island, people will experience a partial solar eclipse with the moon covering about 90 percent of the sun’s disk at the peak of the eclipse at 3:15 p.m., according to the observatory.

Looking directly at the sun can lead to permanent eye damage, so special eye protection or indirect viewing techniques are needed when viewing a solar eclipse.

Donations of $10 for adults, $8 for children under 16 and $5 for observatory members are requested for the event. Donations make it possible for the observatory to offer programs like these and are greatly appreciated. Due to limited space, registration is strongly encouraged.

This is a weather-permitting event and attendees are asked to bring a blanket or chair to comfortably view the eclipse from the observatory’s lawn. Certified safe solar viewing glasses will be provided at check-in.

Click here for more information and to register.

The Custer Observatory, the oldest public observatory on Long Island, is located at 1115 Main Bayview Road in Southold.