CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A total solar eclipse of the sun will be seen across parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada on Monday, April 8th.
Here in western Massachusetts, we can expect to experience a partial eclipse with 93.8% of the sun being covered by the moon. In our region, the eclipse will begin around 2:13 p.m. with the peak at 3:27 p.m. and ending at 4:37 p.m. Since part of the sun will always be visible in southern New England during the event, observers must use filters that are specifically made for viewing the sun to prevent eye damage.
Below is a listing of eclipse viewing events happening in western Massachusetts. All are free to the public unless noted. Some events have a limited number of eclipse glasses that will be handed out while supplies last:
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be holding events at many DCR locations statewide. Go to their website for more information on locations and activities. The public is welcome to go to any open state park, reservation, or forest to experience the eclipse.
- AGAWAM: Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper Street. The library will host a small eclipse-viewing event for ADULTS only from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Peirce Conference Room, registration is required. A viewing for the public will be held outdoors from 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.
- UMASS AMHERST: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two locations on campus will offer viewing with commentary from UMass astronomers: the Metawampe Lawn behind the Student Union and the UMass Sunwheel at the south end of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, off of Amity Street.
- GREENFIELD: Greenfield Public Library, 412 Main Street, 1-5 p.m. The library will have eclipse glasses available for use at the program.
- LANESBOROUGH: Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Road, from 2 – 4 p.m. Viewing glasses are available while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- NORTHAMPTON: Forbes Library lawn, 20 West Street, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eclipse glasses are available while supplies last.
- PITTSFIELD: 2:30-4 p.m. – Solar Eclipse party for the sight impaired, the blind and the sighted Community. UCP of Western Massachusetts staff and guests will gather in the front area of the clock tower building at 75 South Church Street in Pittsfield, with a special LIGHTSOUND device to help sight impaired people experience the eclipse through sound.
- SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS: The Great American Solar Eclipse Party, from 10 am–5 pm. Safe Eclipse Viewing, 2–4:30 p.m. with filtered telescopes, a limited number of shareable eclipse glasses, and pinhole projectors on the North Lawn, with instruction from planetarium staff and members of the Springfield STARS Club. In case of rain, a live stream of the eclipse from NASA will be presented in the Science Museum. $8 per visitor and free for Museum members and Springfield residents. Outdoor Quadrangle activities are free for all.
- TURNERS FALLS: Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, from 2:25-4:30 p.m. A limited number of eclipse glasses will be available.
More information on the science of eclipses, the track of the eclipse, and viewing safety precautions during a solar eclipse can be found at the following links:
22News began broadcasting in March 1953 providing local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Follow WWLP-22News on X @WWLP22News and Facebook.