7 Places to View the Solar Eclipse in Rhode Island Today

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Solar eclipses don’t happen every day; in fact, scientists say the phenomenon our corner of the United States again until 2079. And while we might not be getting the full eclipse here in Rhode Island (though 92 percent is pretty darn close), that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see or be excited about. This afternoon, libraries, observatories and other institutions are throwing parties, offering the public eclipse viewing glasses, hosting livestreams and giving access to telescopes to make sure we can all (safely!) enjoy this possibly once in a lifetime experience.

Cranston Public Library Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

The Cranston Public Library invites families to come to watch the Solar Eclipse  from the front lawn of the William Hall Library. There will be lawn games and eclipse-related activities for all ages from 3 to 4:30 p.m. A free pair of eclipse viewing glasses will also be available to all who attend (one per patron while supplies last). William Hall Library, 1825 Broad St., Cranston, cranstonlibrary.org

Solar Eclipse Viewing Event at Brown University 

Brown University will host a free public viewing of the solar eclipse from 2 to 4 p.m. on the University’s College Green. The event will feature knowledgable scientists and volunteers who will be available to answer eclipse-related questions and set up sun spotters and specialized telescopes for guests to safely view the eclipse. A limited number of eclipse glasses will also be on hand on a first-come, first-served basis. The NASA Rhode Island Space Grant Consortium, which has been housed at Brown since 1991, is hosting the viewing event in tandem with the physics department, the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences and LunaSCOPE. Brown University’s College Green near 1 Prospect St., Providence, brown.edu.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Opportunities at Seagrave Memorial Observatory

The Seagrave Memorial Observatory in North Scituate will be open for observing the solar eclipse from from first contact to last (around 2 to 4:30 p.m.). Limited solar eclipse glasses and and even a couple solar telescopes will be available to the public, while a live feed from the centerline of the path of totality will also be projected in the meeting hall. Seagrave Memorial Observatory, 47 Peeptoad Rd., North Scituate, theskyscrapers.org.

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Eclipse Watch Party at the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park
The Museum is hosting a free, family-friendly solar eclipse watch party today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities and more as they gear up for the main event — feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets to setup outside on the lawn. Each family will receive a complimentary pair of eclipse viewing glasses, provided by the NASA Rhode Island Space Grant Consortium. This event also includes free admission to the museum today. Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, providenceri.gov/event/museum-eclipse-watch-party

Eclipse Viewing Party at the East Providence Public Library

Head to East Providence this afternoon from 2 to 4:45 p.m. to view the solar eclipse from the lawn of Weaver Library. The library will not only have solar eclipse glasses on hand, but also has a few fun eclipse-themed activities and photo booth opportunities planned. Pam’s Grill Food Truck will also be on-site with a whole slew of yummy snacks for purchase. 41 Grove Ave., East Providence, 401-434-2453, eastprovidencelibrary.org

Solar Eclipse Watch Parties at the Community College of Rhode Island

Think you live too far away to get in on any more social solar eclipse happenings? Think again: All four of CCRI’S campuses are hosting free watch parties. CCRI’s Department of Physics will show the official NASA live stream of the eclipse between 1–4 pm at the following locations: the Warwick Campus’ Great Hall, the Newport County Campus’ Atrium, the Providence Campus’ Atrium and the Lincoln Campus’ Cafeteria. ccri.edu

Livestream the Solar Eclipse with the Frosty Drew Observatory

If you’re not going to have the opportunity to head to an in-person viewing or if you don’t have a pair of glasses on-hand to check in from home, the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will be live streaming the entire eclipse starting at 1 p.m.. Frosty Drew Astronomy Team members are set up at locations across the nation along the path of totality and will be offering stunning live views of all the eclipse’s stages as well as periodic insightful commentary. View the livestream here.