Your area guide for solar eclipse viewing events

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - If you’re looking forward to catching a glimpse of the solar eclipse event on April 8, there are places around central Wisconsin to join others for a watch party.

A partial solar eclipse will pass over Wisconsin on Monday, April 8. The moon will cover roughly 85% of the sun as it passes over northcentral Wisconsin.

A free viewing session of this partial eclipse will be hosted by UW-Stevens Point for students and the local community at Colman Field, located on the corner of Maria Street and Reserve Street. Viewing will start around 12:50 p.m. and will follow the partial eclipse for its whole duration until about 3:20 p.m., weather permitting.

Free street parking will be available next to Colman Field during the event. Telescopes equipped with solar filters along with free solar eclipse glasses will be available for viewing use. Avoid observing the sun without adequate eye protection. Learn more safety tips at eclipse.aas.org.

Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools staff members and students from Lincoln High School will also host an eclipse viewing event for interested community members at the South Wood County Recreation Center, located just south of the high school campus at 1801 16th Street South in Wisconsin Rapids.

Several different projection methods will be set up to view the eclipse safely, and there will be a limited number of eclipse-viewing glasses available as well. Follow the posted signs when you get close to the school. Questions may be directed to District Science Coordinator Dave Bergerson at 715-424-6721 or by email at dave.bergerson@wrps.net.

If you know of another viewing event happening in your community, submit it to our Community Calendar or Submit a News Tip.