Solar Eclipse Preview: What you need to know to view in Kosciusko County

Path of solar eclipse (photo supplied / INDOT)

A partial solar eclipse will be visible in Kosciusko County on Monday August 21. There will be about 86.47% coverage of the sun in our area.

The eclipse will start at approximately 12:57 p.m. and it will last until 3:48 p.m. The maximum eclipse time is 2:25 p.m.

If you’re planning to view this astronomical event, its important not to look directly at it. Proper solar filters or eclipse glasses must be worn to protect your eyes from damage.

Solar Eclipse viewing glasses have been flying off the shelves in Indiana, with many stores reporting they are sold out of the lenses. The Warsaw Community Public Library is also out of their glasses supply.

The Times Union reports the Syracuse Public Library was given 1,000 pairs by NASA, and are saving 100 of those for their viewing part noon to 2 p.m. on Monday.

They’ve also given glasses to the Milford Public Library, North Webster Community Public Library, Wawasee High School, Syracuse Elementary fourth grade, and the Wawasee Area Conservation Foundation.

If you’re unable to obtain glasses, you can watch shadows cast by trees. Or, you can make a pinhole viewer using common household items. Watch NASA’s tutorial: