Solar Eclipse Viewing Guide
Solar Eclipse by Naoya Fujii is licensed under CC BY NC 2.0.
California is not in the path of totality, so we will not see a full eclipse (the center photo). From our position in the Bay Area, the peak of the eclipse will be about 75% coverage at 10:15 AM.
Did you know that the eclipse will affect our power supply in California? Do your part by pledging to reduce the amount of electricity you're using from 9am to noon on eclipse day!
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
The University Library and Physics Department cordially invite you to a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, August 21st from 9-11am on the lawn between Vari Hall and Lucas Hall!
This event is free and open to the public, but we have reached our event capacity and are no longer accepting RSVPs. If you haven't yet RSVP'd for SCU's event, we suggest you attend the Santa Clara City Library event at Central Park. Can't attend either event? Watch NASA's Live Stream!
At 9:30 AM, SCU Physics faculty will explain the science behind the eclipse
At 10:15 AM, watch for peak coverage of the sun (about 75%)
On a first-come first-served basis, you'll have a chance to view the eclipse through a telescope with a solar filter. On a first-come first-served basis, we will provide solar eclipse viewing glasses. ***Due to the overwhelming popularity of this event, we will ask you to share one pair of eclipse glasses among members of your party.***
We recommend you bring hats, sunglasses, blankets or lawn chairs, and sunblock. There will be water available; feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks.
***It is not safe to view the eclipse without special solar eclipse glasses or the solar filter on the telescope! Sunglasses are nowhere near strong enough!***
NASA Videos, Simulations, and Maps for the August 21 Eclipse
- NASA's Eyes 3D Simulation of the EclipsePreview the eclipse with either the web app for any device, or the desktop app that you can download to your computer.
- Scientist Interviews by NASANASA has a whole page of videos with interviews with scientists about their work with the sun and eclipses.
More About Solar Eclipses
- How to Watch the Eclipse Safely by NASACalifornia is not in the path of totality, so there is not going to be any point in your eclipse experience when it is safe to look directly at the sun with your naked eyes or with sunglasses. You'll need special eclipse glasses!
Apps and Citizen Science Projects
- Eclipse MegamovieCitizen scientists along the path of totality will submit their pictures to be "stitched" together. Although California is not in the path of totality, and our pictures wouldn't be included in the film, it will be fun to see the Eclipse Megamovie when it's completed!
- Globe Observer Project & AppAre you a citizen scientist? Download the Globe Observer App and collect data during the eclipse to be shared with scientists. And you don't have to be in the path of totality to participate!
- Life RespondsJoin the California Academy of Sciences in conducting research into behavioral changes in plants and animals during a total solar eclipse.