WILMINGTON — As the Port City begins gearing up for the solar eclipse coming up later this summer, party people across the Carolina’s are looking for a way to celebrate. Luckily, the North and South Carolina Space Grants have teamed up to coordinate dozens of viewing parties across the states, including one at Airlie Gardens, right here in Wilmington.
According to NASA, on Aug. 21, the moon will pass in front of the sun in a path that will be visible across the entire contiguous United States. That’s the first time in almost 100 years that Americans from coast to coast will be able to see a total eclipse. The last time anywhere in America saw a total solar eclipse was 1991.
Folks fortunate enough to live in the roughly 70-mile wide track of the eclipse as it moves from Oregon to South Carolina will have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse, meaning the moon will cover the sun in its entirety.
Southeastern North Carolina is close, sitting just outside the full path. At 2:48 p.m., during the height of the eclipse, Wilmington will see a partial solar eclipse, with the moon covering up 96 percent of the sun.
Airlie Gardens, Cape Fear Museum, the National Weather Service (Wilmington Office) and the New Hanover County Public Library are working together to provide a “fun filled” afternoon for eclipse fans in the area.
Starting at 12:30 p.m., Airlie Gardens will host a series of family friendly games and educational activities on its lawn, where KONA Ice will be on hand selling treats for the party. The event will run until 3:30 p.m.
Once the eclipse begins, special viewing glasses will be available, courtesy of the UNCW Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CESTEM), and the Carolina’s Solar Eclipse party.
The event is first come, first serve. Meaning there will be no pre-sale of tickets or reservations taken, so plan on arriving early.
The party costs $9 for adults, $5 for New Hanover County Residents, and members of the Military (with ID), and $3 for children ages 4 to 12.
Admission is free for members of Airlie Gardens and Cape Fear Museum.
For more information on the party, visit airliegardens.org. For more viewing locations, and to get details on the “Carolina’s Solar Eclipse Party,” visit moreheadplanetarium.org.
Get in touch with Reporter Cory Mannion: follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or send an email at cory@localvoicemedia.com.
