What to know for Kansas' next total solar eclipse

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Northeast Kansas astronomers are hosting several talks in the coming days to prepare locals for the upcoming total solar eclipse set to blanket much of the U.S. in darkness.

A total solar eclipse is due to appear on Monday, April 8. Kansans can expect to see much of the event as it will be crossing over near the Sunflower State. Astronomers associated with NASA and local science centers will be holding informational presentations to help locals get prepped for the stunning celestial event.

Topeka

Brenda Culbertson, a Solar System Ambassador with NASA, said she will be at Topeka's Gage Park to inform people about the eclipse. She will also be handing out eclipse safety glasses to attendees at one per person on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can find her at 4330 SW Conservatory Drive in the park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 30.

Culbertson recently spoke with 27 News about what people can expect to see during the upcoming eclipse. You can find that interview by clicking here.

Manhattan

Professor Chris Sorensen with Kansas State University will be at the Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) in Manhattan to give "What to Expect" lectures for the eclipse. Guests can expect to learn the basics about eclipses, where and when the upcoming eclipse will occur and more. His two lectures are free and open to the public.

The first presentation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 on the FHDC's first floor. The second will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3 in the same location.

The FHDC will also hole a "Make-It! Workshop: Solar Viewer" from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. This costs $5 per youth and adult pair. Guests will learn how to build a solar viewer with help from the K-State Physics Department. You will need to pre-register to be able to attend this event.

For more information on eclipse learning opportunities coming up at the FHDC, click here.

Alma

The Volland Foundation based out of Alma will be holding an eclipse presentation and stargazing opportunity later this month. The presentation will be led by Kansas Astronomical Observers Outreach Coordinator and NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassador Jerelyn Ramirez with a stargazing/camping event to follow.

The event starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 in Volland's gallery where Ramirez will talk about the science behind the eclipse and inform attendees about how to stay safe during the event. The presentation is expected to last an hour with Ramirez offering eclipse viewing glasses for $1 apiece.

Ramirez will then guide guests through stargazing and have telescopes on hand to use. People are invited to bring camping gear for the night with coffee and pastries being offered in the morning from the Alma Bakery. To make camping reservations, click here. For directions on how to reach Volland, click here.

Quick Eclipse Rundown

The total solar eclipse will only be viewable in its entirety from select areas in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. States in the U.S. that will be in the direct path of the eclipse include Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine.

The eclipse will reach its peak around 1:50 p.m. and end at around 3 p.m. on Monday, April 8. While Kansas is not in the direct path of the eclipse, many people living in the Sunflower State can expect to see upwards of 90% of it. Those living in the southeast corner of the state can expect to see much more of the event than those living in the northwest corner.

Looking directly at an eclipse can pose a serious health hazard to people. It is recommended to view the eclipse with the assistance of special equipment such as eclipse glasses to avoid going blind or suffering eye damage.

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