View pictures from the Solar Eclipse Watch Parties on SJR State's Flickr page! Over 500 people joined in the fun!
In total, 1,282 pairs of eclipse glasses were distributed by the SJR State Library free to community members of Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns county thanks to the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program.
The remaining solar eclipse glasses were sent to Astronomers Without Borders for redistribution via the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV.
On April 8, 2024, join us from 2:30 - 3:30 to safely view the solar eclipse!
Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be given FREE to the first 200 attendees! Limit 1 pair per person.
For a different view, a properly outfitted telescope will be at each location. 
Add to your day by making eclipse chalk art - we'll provide what you need - and snap a pic at our photo backdrop!
Locations:
Palatka Campus courtyard
Orange Park Campus courtyard next to the Library
St. Augustine campus boardwalk deck
This event is free and open to the public!
Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be given FREE to the first 400 visitors by request! Visit the Circulation Desk to request a pair - limit 1 pair per person.
Solar eclipse viewing glasses were provided to the SJR State Library by the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program.
Register to watch the total solar eclipse with NASA and receive solar eclipse resources from NASA for free!
Only look directly at the eclipse through solar eclipse viewing glasses or a properly filtered telescope.
If you don't have access to solar eclipse viewing glasses or a properly filtered telescope, use an indirect projection measure to view the eclipse - you can build your own!
Use a box and tin foil to create a viewer
You can even use a colander or an index card with a hole punched in it to view the eclipse. With the Sun behind you, pass sunlight through the colander or index card and a solar image will project onto a nearby surface (for example, another card, a wall, or the ground). Do NOT look at the Sun through the colander or card! Keep the Sun behind you.
(Image Credit: John Lord)
As NASA explains, "The rods and cones in the human retina are very sensitive to light. Normally during daylight conditions, the iris contracts so that only a small, safe amount of light passes through the lens and then reaches the retina. However, the Sun’s surface is so bright that even a thin sliver of its light can still damage the eye if you were to look directly at it. When exposed to direct sunlight, retinal cells will become damaged, sometimes permanently. This can happen even after a quick glance at the Sun so it is very important to never look at the Sun directly. To look at the Sun, use solar viewing glasses or a property-equipped telescope."
No. As NASA explains, "Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun" even during an eclipse.
Do not use the view finder on your phone or a camera to view the eclipse - you can hurt your eyes and your camera's sensor! Use a specialized eclipse filter between your camera and the Sun if you must snap a pic. But to truly take in the eclipse, experience it with your own eyes safely protected by solar eclipse viewing glasses.
Also, "do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury." - NASA
While Florida is not in the path of totality (where people will see the Moon completely cover the Sun), at 3:05 p.m. in our area of Florida, the eclipse will be at its peak and 70% of the Sun will be eclipsed by the Moon!
Participate in the Eclipse Soundscapes Citizen Science Project
Become an Apprentice to understand:
Become an Observer (free online training required) to:
Access to these articles is limited to current SJR State students and employees.
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