Local events where you can watch the solar eclipse in western Massachusetts

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) – It’s eclipse mania all over the country on Monday as the earth, sun, and moon are all lining up for a rare, total solar eclipse, and we will get a pretty good view in western Massachusetts.

Western Massachusetts will see 90 percent coverage at the peak around 3:30 this afternoon. If you want more coverage than that, head North. Otherwise, there are some local viewing events.

An event in Agawam is being held for adults only and runs from 1:30 to 2:30, but registration is full. The Springfield Museums will also host an event that is free and wide-open, running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Chicopee Library will host an event from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the library’s backyard.

Up in Hampshire County, UMass Amherst is hosting free gatherings at the sun wheel and the lawn with commentary from astronomers from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will also be a viewing event on the Forbes Library lawn in Northampton beginning at 2:00 p.m.

In Franklin County, there will be viewing events at the Greenfield Public Library from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls from 2:25 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In Berkshire County, there will be a Solar Eclipse party for the sight impaired, the blind, and the sighted Community from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 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.

Each of those events has a limited number of eclipse glasses available, which you must have to witness the eclipse safely. If you are without glasses, NBC’s live coverage of the event begins at 2:00 p.m., and there is also a live stream running at NASA.com. Our coverage will continue all day, as well, with a crew headed to the path of totality in Northwestern Vermont.