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On August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will cross the continental United States. The total solar eclipse will travel from Oregon to South Carolina and cross over 21 national park units and 7 trails. Here on the Keweenaw Peninsula, we will have a 71% eclipse.
Those interested in viewing the solar eclipse can attend a public viewing event on Quincy Hill from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. The partial solar eclipse (weather permitting) will be at 2:13pm. Staff from the Quincy Mine Hoist Association, Portage Lake District Library, and park rangers and volunteers from Keweenaw National Historical Park and Isle Royale National Park will be on hand with viewing glasses, pinhole viewers, and hands-on activities. The event will take place on the lawn to the northeast of the 1918 Hoist House. Parking is available along Lower Pewabic Road and on the Quincy Mine property.
During the viewing event, it’s a good idea to bring a chair, hat, and water as it may be a warm day. When viewing the eclipse, remember to protect your eyes. All safe, solar viewers have a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard number printed on them. Park, Library, and Quincy Mine staff will have viewing glasses available on a first-come, first-serve basis along with pinhole viewers. For more information on how to view the 2017 solar eclipse safely, visit https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety
National parks and heritage sites offer an amazing setting for watching the eclipse. The National Park Service mission to preserve special places for the enjoyment of everyone means that you can experience this historic event in a place that represents our heritage. National parks are also places to learn about our world. For example, monitoring air quality and starry night skies helps us understand how hazy skies affect parks and visitors. Working with partners, we can protect what is special about parks so that they are there for you to enjoy. While you are visiting, events at parks will help you make the most out of this unique solar event while you learn about the park and heritage sites.
