Aspen Science Center to host eclipse viewing party on Monday in Carbondale

Have you ever seen a solar eclipse before? If you said no, then this Monday is your big chance to at least see a partial one to help you take baby steps towards the day you can see a full one.

For the second year in a row, Aspen Science Center (ASC) invites you to take part in their free partial eclipse viewing party from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8, at Carbondale’s Third Street Center, out back next to the bread oven. Maximum coverage is being estimated at approximately 12:30 p.m. The Carbondale Community School, grades K-2, roughly 45 students, will also be joining Monday’s viewing event.

This year, Carbondale happens to be lucky enough to be in the path of April’s partial eclipse. While viewing the eclipse, ASC invites the community to learn from staff educators as they provide valuable information to accompany the celestial event. As one of the only non-profits in the valley that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, ASC President David Heil said starting regular eclipse viewing parties felt somewhat obligatory. 

“It always helps to have some interpretation and understanding of the science or the magic of the moment is critical as well,” he said. “And that magic, I think, is increased a bit when you’re sharing it with other people. So, we just wanted to create an environment for safe viewing, fun for families to join in together, and sort of have this group community experience all at the same time.”

He said that even though the eclipse will be at 60%, it still promises to be quite the sight for sore eyes. But to ensure you don’t end up with sore eyes, he stressed the importance of safety. Eclipse-viewing glasses will be available as supplies last at the event as well as the Basalt Library.

In addition to sunglasses, Heil said the event will feature a number of demonstrations and activities, such as building an eclipse projector, a pinhole camera apparatus that allows for another safe way of viewing.

ASC Education Manager Alex Tarika said she’s especially excited for people to engage with Monday’s viewing party because events like these only come around every once in a blue moon.

“We were fortunate to have another one within the past year, but the next solar eclipse in the United States is not happening until 2044,” Tarika said. “These are relatively rare; it can be a very spiritual experience for people.” 

ASC is dedicated to the mission of advancing public understanding of science through lifelong discovery, exploration, and education. They serve children, families, adults; residents and visitors; with programs and events from Aspen to Parachute. ASC also provides accessible and inclusive bilingual STEM experiences Valley-wide.

The ASC also offers adult science interests, such as working alongside the Aspen Music Festival to bring the “Science of Music” during the summer months. For the second year, ASC will host the “Hometown Science Cafe” series this May at the El Dorado in Carbondale featuring local experts. ASC is currently in the process of planning the second “Science of Peak Performance” with the Aspen Valley Hospital.

To reach Jonson Kuhn, email him at jkuhn@aspentimes.com.