PEABODY — The Peabody Institute Library will host a total eclipse watch party on April 8 — the last time an eclipse of its kind will be visible for 21 years.
The party will be held at the Main Street library branch’s courtyard from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Snacks and viewing glasses will be provided, the library said in a statement. There will also be music and activities.
Registration is not required. If it rains, the party will be hosted inside the library’s Tech Lab.
A total eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the Sun and completely blocks the Sun, according to NASA. Another will not occur until 2045.
Viewers should not look at the eclipse directly without eclipse glasses, and should not use a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope unless they have a special-purpose solar filter. Otherwise, severe eye damage will occur, NASA said.
The eclipse will cross over North America and darken the sky for about 3.5 to 4 minutes for those in the path of totality, according to NASA. Boston won’t be in that path, but it will see about 90% totality, according to Mass Audubon.
The eclipse is expected to be most visible in the Boston area between 3:25 and 3:30 p.m. on April 8, according to NASA.
For more information about the eclipse, visit https://tinyurl.com/april8totaleclipse.
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com.
