On Monday, Aug 21, Nebraska will fall under the path of a total eclipse. The skies will darken all the way from Oregon to South Carolina, cutting a path diagonally through our state. Here is a list of eclipse related activities taking place in and around Lincoln.
Lincoln, which sits on the northern edge of the eclipse, will experience 1 minute, 24 seconds of totality and is only 43 miles to the north of the center of activity as it traverses our state. Be safe and learn how to properly protect your eyes to watch the eclipse.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
11 a.m.
"Earth, Moon and Sun"
Mueller Planetarium, University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall)
Younger audiences will especially enjoy the opportunities at this event to learn more about the relationship between celestial bodies and explore some common misconceptions about our universe.
12 p.m.
"Eclipses and Phases of the Moon"
Mueller Planetarium, University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall)
Teen and adult audiences: Learn about the science behind the eclipse. Get important information to help you and your family and friends know how to safely view the eclipse.
8-11 p.m.
Public Astronomical Viewing Night
Behlen Observatory, Mead, Nebraska
A rare opportunity to observe faint galaxies and star clusters with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Society of Physics Students. Dr. Rebecca Harbison, astronomer, will also present a program about the eclipse.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
11 a.m.
“Earth, Moon and Sun”
Mueller Planetarium, University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall)
Younger audiences will especially enjoy the opportunities at this event to learn more about the relationship between celestial bodies and explore some common misconceptions about our universe.
12 p.m.
"Eclipses and Phases of the Moon"
Mueller Planetarium, University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall)
Teen and adult audiences: join us to learn about the science behind the eclipse. We will also share important information to help you and your family and friends know how to safely view the eclipse.
Sundown - 11 p.m.
Public Viewing Night
Hyde Memorial Observatory,
South Shore of Holmes Lake, Lincoln, Nebraska
View the night skies through the observatory's three high-powered telescopes and hear a presentation on the upcoming eclipse. This observatory is completely free of admission thanks to public donations.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
2-4 p.m.
SciPop Interactive Solar Eclipse Pre-Party
Lincoln Children’s Museum
Family "pre-party." University Libraries and the Lincoln Children’s Museum are co-hosting a pre-party that will feature two SciPop talks -- “Football Physics” and “Comic Book Physics 101” -- and two interactive lessons -- “Potions of Harry Potter” and “Solar Eclipse Facts and Fun.” The family friendly event is 2 p.m. at the museum. Admission will be charged to non-museum members.
2 p.m.
Nebraska History Museum
The Skidi Pawnee: People of the Stars Talk
Chief Pat Leading Fox of the Pawnee Tribe of Oklahoma shares Skidi Pawnee creation stories and cosmology. In advance of the solar eclipse, learn more about the people who called Nebraska home for centuries and their view of the world. Reception to follow presentation. Funded in part by Humanities Nebraska. This event is free.
8-11 p.m.
Public Night - Student Observatory
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Student Observatory, top of Memorial Stadium parking garage
View the night skies through the observatory's telescopes and hear a presentation on the upcoming eclipse.
MONDAY, AUGUST 21
12 p.m.
Total Solar Eclipse Day
Haymarket Park, Lincoln, Nebraska
The Lincoln Saltdogs baseball team is playing a special, eclipse-themed game. In the parking lot just outside of Haymarket Park, the park will host a free science fair with interactive exhibits, activities and telescopes set up to explore during the half-hour delay in the game leading up to the total eclipse.
Game tickets not required to attend the science fair but are required for entrance to the game.
GREAT ECLIPSE VIEWING LOCATIONS
Great viewing in the wide open expanses of Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center (11700 SW 100th St., Denton, Nebraska). Just 20 minutes southwest of Lincoln, Spring Creek Prairie offers an 850 acre native tallgrass prairie preserve with miles of walking trails.
Enjoy the eclipse from one of the 125 neighborhood parks or 131 miles of trials in Lincoln. Many parks offer restrooms, picnic areas, and parking. To find a park near you visit: http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/index.htm.
The Great Plains Trails Network and the Great Plains Bicycling Club will sponsor a biking excursion on the Homestead Trail between Roca and Pickrell during the August 21 eclipse. Bikers who wish to have a trail experience during the eclipse will have an opportunity to pick their spot along the trail and have lunch at the Roca Berry Farm. Parking is available at the farm. The entry fee is $15 and an extra $5 for the lunch, which will be available 11:30 to 12:40. Lights will be turned out at 12:45-1:15. Check-in will start at 7:30 at the farm located at 16531 So. 38th St. in Roca adjacent to the Homestead Trail. The entry fee includes special glasses, a souvenir shoulder bag with event art, and a short presentation about the eclipse. Registration and details are available at http://www.GPTN.org
Plans call for three tours of 12, 21 and 40 miles from the farm. Riders taking the 12-mile tour to around Princeton and back should start between 10-11 a.m. Those taking the 21-mile tour to Cortland and back should start between 9-10 a.m., and the 40-milers to Pickrell should start around 8-9 a.m. The center point of the eclipse will cross the Homestead Trail at a point near Pickrell shortly after 1 p.m.