Minnesota: What You Can Expect For The Solar Eclipse… And Where To Party!
🌟 Get ready to be starstruck! Minnesota’s skies are about to put on a jaw-dropping show with a 75% partial solar eclipse. Don’t miss out on this cosmic spectacle! 🌞🌑 #MNSolarEclipse #CelestialWonders #StargazingMN
Edina, Minnesota – Are you ready for an out-of-this-world experience? Mark your calendars for Monday, April 8, 2024 because the total solar eclipse is about to grace our skies! While Minnesota won’t be directly in the path of totality, we’re still in for a stellar treat. Picture this: a crescent-shaped sun, partially covered by the moon, casting an ethereal dusk-like glow across the land. It’s a sight that’s sure to take your breath away!
When and Where to Catch the Cosmic Event
So, when should you step outside and look up? The eclipse will kick off around 1 p.m., reach its peak around 2 p.m., and bid farewell by 3:15 p.m. Most of Minnesota will be treated to a 75% partial eclipse, while lucky folks in the southeastern part of the state will witness an even more impressive 80% or more. It’s like the universe is putting on a special show just for us!
Astronomers Are Giddy with Excitement
Astronomers who have chased total eclipses across the globe are buzzing with anticipation. They say that witnessing a partial eclipse is like getting a small taste of the real thing – it’s thrilling, but leaves you yearning for more. Even so, the eclipse is expected to be so powerful that it might even trick streetlights into thinking it’s nighttime!
Schools Gear Up for an Unforgettable Lesson
Teachers across Minnesota are gearing up to make the most of this celestial event. They’re snagging eclipse glasses, teaching students how to make pinhole projectors, and whipping up engaging lessons about our mind-boggling solar system. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring abstract concepts to life and give students a perspective-shifting glimpse of our place in the universe.
Join the Watch Party Fun
Don’t miss out on the eclipse excitement! Here’s a list of watch parties and events happening across Minnesota:
St. Paul, Minnesota
- Bell Museum: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., livestream, eclipse glasses for purchase ($3+ per pair)
- Science Museum of Minnesota: Package includes admission and eclipse glasses
- Bethel University: 12:45 to 3:15 p.m., viewing event on the lawn next to Benson Great Hall
Willmar, Minnesota
- Sibley State Park: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., expert-led program, kids’ craft session
Center City, Minnesota
- Wild River State Park: 1 to 3 p.m., safe telescope viewing, eclipse glasses provided
Mankato, Minnesota
- Minneopa State Park: 12:30 to 3 p.m., naturalists available for questions, all-ages craft
Winona, Minnesota
- Winona State University: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., free public viewing event on the lawn, eclipse glasses, solar telescopes, and pinhole projectors available, livestream in Science Lab Center atrium
Pick a location near you and get ready to witness this awe-inspiring celestial event! My hubby Jack and I live in Winona, so we’ll see you on the campus of WSU for the epic eclipse party! Heading to Winona? As locals, we wrote the Ultimate Guide for Fun Things to Do in Winona!
Protect Your Peepers!
As tempting as it might be to stare directly at the eclipse, remember: safety first! Regular sunglasses won’t cut it – you’ll need special eclipse glasses to protect your precious eyes from damage. Make sure to snag a pair from a reputable source and follow the American Astronomical Society’s guidelines for safe viewing. Your eyes will thank you later!
Get Ready to Be Awestruck
There’s something magical about witnessing a solar eclipse. It’s a humbling reminder of the vastness of our universe and the incredible cosmic dance that’s constantly unfolding above us. So, grab your eclipse glasses, find a nice spot to relax, and get ready to be amazed. This is a moment you won’t want to miss! Have fun!
🗣 What are you plans for the solar eclipse? Are you as excited as we are? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
