2017 Solar Eclipse Viewing Information

A partial solar eclipse will be viewable on Monday, August 21, between 1:02 p.m. and 3:46 p.m., with the maximum eclipse visibility at 2:26 p.m. Staring at the sun during the eclipse, for even a short time, without wearing the right eye protection can cause permanent eye damage.

Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for looking at solar eclipses. Special purpose solar filters must be used. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Astronomical Society suggest the following steps to safely watch the eclipse:

  • Purchase eclipse glasses or viewers from a reputable source. The American Astronomical Society has a list of reputable vendors of solar filters and viewers. Visit eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters for more information.
  • Always read and follow all directions that come with the solar filter or eclipse glasses.
  • Help children use handheld solar viewers and eclipse glasses correctly.
  • Carefully look at the solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them. If there are any scratches or damage, do not use them.
  • Before looking up at the bright sun, stand still and cover both eyes with the eclipse glasses or solar viewer. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove the filter do not remove it while looking at the sun.
  • Never look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other similar devices. This is important even if wearing eclipse glasses or holding a solar viewer at the same time. The suns rays are too powerful coming through these devices and will damage a persons eyes as well as solar filter.

For a complete list of tips for safely viewing the eclipse, visit eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety.

If you are unable to attend the Solar Eclipse Viewing Picnic at Rosie’s, here are a few additional places that will be holding solar eclipse viewing opportunities open to the public. Event details are as follows:

Cranbrook Institute of Science

Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
Times: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission: $13/adults, $9.50/ages 2-12, free/under 2; additional fees apply for the planetarium shows
Phone: 248-645-3200

Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center

Address: 5175 Indian Trail, White Lake
Times: 1-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free/admission, $10/parking
Phone: 248-625-7280

Kensington Metropark Nature Center

Address: 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford
Times: 1-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free/admission, $10/parking without a Metropark pass
Phone: 810-227-8910

Ferndale Public Library

Address: 222 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
Times: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Phone: 248-546-2504

Southfield Public Library

Address: 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield
Times: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Phone: 248-796-4200
Viewing glasses will be provided

VollBrecht Planetarium

Address: 19100 Filmore St., Southfield
Times: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Phone: 248-746-8880
View the eclipse up close through protective telescopes and binoculars.

Novi Public Library

Address: 45255 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi
Times: 1-4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Phone: 248-349-0720
Eclipse will be live streamed on the big screen at the library so that everyone can watch it safely and without glasses.

Salem-South Lyon District Library

Address: 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon
Times: 10-10:45 a.m.
Cost: Free
Phone: 248-437-6431
Registration required