Wareham residents will be turning their (safety-goggle-equipped) eyes to the sky on Monday, April 8 to see a partial eclipse. 

The South Coast will experience approximately 90% coverage, with the peak of the eclipse at approximately 3:30 p.m. according to NASA tracking. 

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. Monday’s eclipse will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044, according to NASA. 

Special glasses will be required to view the eclipse without eye damage. 

Looking at the sun through a camera, binoculars or telescope – even with eclipse glasses – is unsafe and can cause eye injury. A special-purpose solar filter must be secured over the equipment’s optics in order to safely look at the eclipse.

The Wareham Free Library will give out eclipse glasses starting Friday, April 5 on a first come, first serve basis. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. 

On Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m., the library will hold a special eclipse story time with Miss Marcia. Kids can come and learn about what an eclipse is and participate in a special craft.

Students at the Wareham High School will be dismissed in time to see the eclipse, Navarro said. “We are working with students in classes to prepare them for the eclipse, including sending several sets of eclipse glasses on the 8th grade DC trip next week.  I am hoping students will be able to share the eclipse experience with their families at home.”