We are getting close to the solar eclipse. Lots of people around the radio station seem to be excited to check it out. My friends at Visit Wichita have put together a list with important facts and information about the big event coming up on August 21st.
What to expect in Wichita during Monday’s solar eclipse
While Wichita is not in the path of totality during the solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, we will be able to see the moon cover up to 93 percent of the sun. Visitors and locals will be interested in observing the phenomenon that day, so we’ve prepared for you this primer on what will take place in the sky and what is happening on the ground in Wichita to celebrate the eclipse.
In Wichita, the eclipse will begin at 11:37 a.m. and will end at 2:33 p.m. Maximum darkness will occur about 1:05 p.m. with nearly 93 percent of the sun obscured by the moon. Things to look for from Wichita during this eclipse:
- 12:55 to 1:15 p.m.: Sky is noticeably darker; shadows are sharper (since the light source producing them is smaller)
- 1 to 1:10 p.m.: In addition to the above, the temperature may drop slightly, wind may die down, birds may stop singing and start roosting in trees. If you use your hand to block the sun, you may be able to see Venus (to the right and slightly above of the sun) and a couple of bright stars.
There are a few free eclipse viewing parties open to the public in Wichita:
- If you don't already have plans for the Great American Eclipse, join iHeartMEDIA Wichita and KAKE-TV on Monday, August 21 for the Great American Solar Eclipse Watch Party. The party begins at 11 a.m. on the south lawn of the KAKE studios at 1500 North West Street. Just park at Dillons at 13th and West and come on over! We'll have music, food trucks and much more. Dillons representatives will be on hand with glasses for $1.99 each along with other eclipse merchandise.
The following food trucks will be there: Noble House Hawaiian, Funky Monkey Munchies, Hit The Spot & More We will also have STEM activities provided by Mark Arts and Wichita Area Technical. And Wichita Spray Paint artist Leo Kiesling will be on site making/demonstrating eclipse art pieces.
- Visitors can check out the come and go anytime during Exploration Place’s free Eclipse Party scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the science center’s Festival Plaza. They welcome folks to spend lunch there; seven food trucks will be selling food and drinks. A variety of activities are planned, including looking through solar telescopes. Seating is limited during lunch so pack chairs or a blanket. The first 500 will receive a pair of safety glasses. There will also be a special showing of Totality, a Boeing Dome Theater show available through Sept. 4, followed by a presenter giving live eclipse updates.
- Visitors can come and go anytime during Exploration Place’s free Eclipse Party scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the science center’s Festival Plaza. They welcome folks to spend lunch there; seven food trucks will be selling food and drinks. A variety of activities are planned, including looking through solar telescopes. Seating is limited during lunch so pack chairs or a blanket. The first 500 will receive a pair of safety glasses. There will also be a special showing of Totality, a Boeing Dome Theater show available through Sept. 4, followed by a presenter giving live eclipse updates.
- Great Plains Nature Center’s free viewing party is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic lunch and chairs or a blanket. Snacks such as Sun Chips and Moon Pies will be available for an optional donation along with lemonade and iced tea. Kona Ice will be selling snow cones. The center will have solar viewing glasses available to use and share, or bring a cereal/cracker cardboard box and staff will help you create your own safe eclipse viewer. Crafts and games are planned.
For those who don’t have time to attend a viewing party, encourage them to not look directly at the sun unless they have safety glasses. Sunglasses are not safe.