Annular Solar Eclipse

Join the Maria Mitchell Association astronomers for a very special and safe look at the upcoming annular solar eclipse! An annual solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is slightly farther away from the Earth causing the disk of the Moon to incompletely cover the disk of the Sun. Due to this phenomenon, annular eclipses are also known as “ring of fire” eclipses as a portion of the Sun is visible (with appropriate viewing tools) around the Moon’s disk during totality of the annular eclipse.

On Nantucket, we are located outside of the path of totality and we will be able to observe only a partial eclipse – which will appear as though a small bite was taken out of the Sun. The eclipse begins at approximately 12:30pm EST, peaks around 1:29pm ̶ when the disk of the Sun will appear approximately 20% obscured ̶ and ends at 2:30pm.

We welcome visitors to stop by the Vestal Street Observatory anytime between 12:30pm – 2:30pm to check out the view of the Sun using our safe solar telescope, sun spotter, and special eclipse glasses. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children of all ages. Program will meet at the MMA Vestal Street Observatory lawn at 3 Vestal Street, Nantucket, MA. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is recommended for this program as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather (overcast or raining), this program will be cancelled and participants notified.

Complimentary

Event is weather permitting! If it is overcast, significantly cloudy, or raining, the event will be cancelled (We need to be able to see the Sun!)