Here is a look at upcoming eclipse events:
Safety information
The Johnson County Public Library White River branch, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood, will present “50 Shades of Dark: Preparing for the Solar Eclipse,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
John Shepherd, chief science officer at Link Observatory Space Science Institute, will provide information for the upcoming eclipse, as well as provide safety glasses so people can look at the eclipse safely, while supplies last.
Expect traffic
Indiana Department of Transportation officials are urging motorists to plan for potential traffic congestion that is expected to occur in southern Indiana before and after the solar eclipse Aug. 21.
Approximately 200 million people live within a day’s drive of the total eclipse path and will be heading to Kentucky, Tennessee and southern Illinois. Interstate 69, Interstate 65, U.S. 41 and U.S. 231 are all expected to have heavy traffic in the hours leading up to and following the eclipse.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time if you’ll be on those roads Aug. 21.
For the children
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., will be giving away eclipse glasses and have scientists available to answer questions and help people understand the eclipse. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and programming is part of the regular admission to the museum.
On weekend days, children and families can learn more about the astrological event by visiting the museum’s STEMLab to participate in a special program called “Shadow of the Moon.” Visitors can learn what causes this rare event, and how to view an eclipse safely and will receive a pair of eclipse glasses.
For more information, go to childrensmuseum.org
Viewing parties
Johnson County Public Library branches will be hosting a series of viewing parties Aug. 21 to help people celebrate the eclipse.
The White River branch, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood, will host a part from 12:30 to 4 p.m., featuring activities for children and adults, as well as a NASA live-stream of the total solar eclipse in case of inclement weather.
The Clark Pleasant branch, 530 Tracy Road, Suite 250, New Whiteland, will host “A Solar Eclipse, Oh My!” from 2 to 3 p.m. Crafts and stories will be featured while people wait for the eclipse to reach its maximum level.
At the Franklin branch, 401 State St., library officials will host a more informal viewing party on the lawn outside from 2 to 3 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public.
