Orlando Science Center and UCF offer in-person eclipse-viewing assistance on Monday

North America hasn’t been in the path of a total solar eclipse in 99 years, but on Monday, you’ll be able to see the total solar eclipse for a few minutes in Orlando. Orlando Science Center and University of Central Florida host viewings of the total solar eclipse, which will reach 85 percent totality in Orlando and peak at about 2:51 p.m. At OSC’s main location, a general adult admission price of $20.95 will get you demonstrations, access to solar eclipse glasses and solar telescopes, and phone camera filters that will let you capture the eclipse. OSC will also be distributing glasses at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Central Park West Meadow in Winter Park from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. At UCF’s Reflection Pond, anyone is welcome to the viewing hosted by two student groups, which will provide telescopes and solar eclipse glasses. UCF professors and solar system student researchers will be present to explain the phenomenon. Both OSC and UCF stress the importance of not looking directly at the sun during the eclipse – although the sun is partially covered, permanent eye damage can still occur. OSC and UCF recommend using the solar eclipse glasses that will be provided, or creating a pinhole camera from a cereal box. (How-to videos are widely available online.)

2:51 p.m. peak time Monday, Aug. 21 | multiple locations | osc.org | ucf.edu | free-$20.95