Solar Eclipse 2024
Books, ebooks, and videos
Books in our library
For adults:
Sun, Moon, Earth: the History of Solar Eclipses, from Omens of Doom to Einstein and Exoplanets by Tyler Nordgren (also available as an ebook through Libby/Overdrive)
For children:
Eclipses by Martha Rustad (also available as an ebook through hoopla)
Eclipse by Andy Rash (also available as an ebook through Libby/Up North Digital Collection)
Eclipse: How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity by Darcy Pattison (also available as an ebook and eaudiobook through hoopla)
What is a Solar Eclipse? by Dana Meachen Rau
Available with your library card through hoopla
(No waiting. Titles are always available for simultaneous checkout. You can check out 5 items per month.)
Some of the options for children:
Eclipses by Martha Rustad - eBook
What Happens During an Eclipse? by Jennifer Lombardo eBook
What is an Eclipse? by Michael Portman - eBook
Eclipse: How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein's Theory of General Relativity by Darcy Pattison - eBook and eAudiobook
Something is Covering the Sun!: Solar Eclipse Explained / Solar System Children's Book Grade 3 - eBook
You can find additional titles by searching for eclipse in the search box on hoopla.
Available with your library card with Libby / Overdrive
(Items may be checked out by only one person at a time. You can reserve items that are currently checked out. You can check out 8 items at one time, and return them early if you are finished with them early.)
For adults:
Sun, Moon, Earth: the History of Solar Eclipses, from Omens of Doom to Einstein and Exoplanets by Tyler Nordgren
For children:
Eclipses by Marcia Zappa
Eclipse by Andy Rash (Up North Digital Collection)
Video from NASA
Video from PBS
When is the eclipse happening?
A total solar eclipse is happening on Monday, April 8. In our area, it will begin at 1:57 P.M. and end at 4:26 P.M. At its maximum here, 99.3 percent of the sun will be covered at 3:13 P.M.
NASA's broadcast
NASA will broadcast the eclipse here. Scroll down a little on that page to the "live" section.
Eclipse Safety from NASA
Eye safety information from NASA is here.
Although this eclipse is a Total Solar Eclipse, we are not in the path of totality, so we will only see a partial eclipse. The sun will not be 100% covered when viewed from Milan.
Pinhole viewers to view the eclipse
Pinhole viewers for indirectly viewing the eclipse. The concept is the same whether you use two pieces of paper or a cereal box, shoe box, or other box. You can use the instructions that work best for you. You will NOT be looking at the sun through these viewers. You will be looking at the sun's projection on the bottom of the box or on the second piece of paper.
Simplest version: Using two pieces of paper
(NOTE: the date-specific information on that page is for the 2017 eclipse, but the instructions are the same!)
Print instructions: Using a cereal box
Print instruction: Using a shoe box
Video instructions: Using a shoe box
Eclipse glasses from our library
We have a limited number of eclipse glasses to distribute. Sign-up is REQUIRED via the request form here.
Priority will be for those who live in Milan or one of our service areas (Augusta Township and the parts of York Township and Pittsfield Township that are in Milan Area Schools).
Each family/household may request one pair of glasses. If we have enough glasses, families with more than 3 people may receive a second pair.
Please fill out THIS FORM once per family/household. You will let us know on the form how many people will be watching with you.
Other sources of eclipse glasses
If you do not live in our service area, please check for glasses in your city here.
If you are purchasing glasses, here is safety information from the American Astronomical Society:
How to tell if your eclipse glasses are safe
Suppliers of safe solar viewers and filters
Other ways to view the eclipse
Pinhole viewers for indirectly viewing the eclipse. The concept is the same whether you use two pieces of paper or a cereal box, shoe box, or other box. You can use the instructions that work best for you. You will NOT be looking at the sun through these viewers. You will be looking at the sun's projection on the bottom of the box or on the second piece of paper.
Simplest version: Using two pieces of paper
(NOTE: the date-specific information on that page is for the 2017 eclipse, but the instructions are the same!)
Print instructions: Using a cereal box
Print instruction: Using a shoe box
Video instructions: Using a shoe box