Annular Eclipse Day

Science Central will be celebrating the forthcoming annular solar eclipse with a special event on Saturday, Oct. 14.

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, but because of its distance from the Earth, does not completely cover the Sun, leaving the perimeter of the star exposed. The annular solar eclipse of Oct. 14 will be visible in the western hemisphere, but skywatchers in Fort Wayne will see a partial solar eclipse. A maximum of 51.4 percent of the Sun will be covered by the Moon before the eclipse ends for Summit City viewers.

Science Central will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The eclipse will start at 11:41 a.m., reach its maximum at 1:02 p.m., and end at 2:26 p.m.

The center will have eclipse glasses available for purchase. Additionally, telescopes that can provide a safe view of the eclipse will be available to look through.

Science Central will commemorate the eclipse with a hydrogen balloon launch. The launch will occur at 12:17 p.m. in the grass between Science Central and Lawton Park. The balloon will ascend between 80,000 and 85,000 feet to the stratosphere before falling back to Earth.

The center will also be conducting educational programs throughout the day in Science Central’s Demonstration Theater. Topics covered will include types of eclipses, safe ways to view eclipses, and sun dials.

Annular Eclipse Day is being held in conjunction with Science Central’s Sci-Fi Central event. For details about that event, which is a celebration of science fiction and pop culture, click here.

Admission to Science Central can be purchased on the center’s website or at the admissions desk.