Are you ready for the Great American Eclipse?
The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park has planned events leading up to the big day including a viewing of the eclipse in the sky above San Diego.
San Diegans have several options when it comes to getting in on the eclipse action.
On Aug. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the center will host a special Solar Eclipse Maker Hour in collaboration with the Museum of Photographic Arts. In this workshop, visitors can explore the science of a solar eclipse, and ways to safely and creatively photograph it.
The workshop includes DIY cardboard viewers, crafty pinhole projections and a head-mounted camera obscura. All ages are welcome but the event is primarily geared toward adults.
Meanwhile, have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on the International Space Station? The Fleet's "Be Wise" science program for girls will call the space station on Aug. 15 and ask questions, live, to the astronauts.
The Fleet Science Center says participants will get a chance to meet retired astronaut Mark Polansky of the Atlantis, Discovery and Endeavour missions, for a live Q&A. He is also the guest for a special "Suds and Science" session at Wavelength Brewing in Vista.
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Once the big day arrives on Aug. 21, the center will offer San Diegans an opportunity to learn more about the Great American Eclipse and a place to safely view it.
The viewing event begins at 9 a.m. at the Plaza in front of the center. There will also be inexpensive solar eclipse glasses available with special filters that prevent eye damage when viewing the eclipse, center reps said.
It will be visible between 9:07 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. The maximum point of the eclipse is at 10:23 a.m., according to the Fleet.
Resident astronomer, Dr. Lisa Will, can also answer questions about the eclipse, and there will be a workstation where you can make a simple pinhole projector to view the eclipse projected on the ground, according to the Fleet Science Center.
Don't miss the first total American solar eclipse in 38 years.
