Glasses ready! Arizona spots hosting solar eclipse viewing events

PHOENIX – On Monday, most of Arizona will be looking up as the first solar eclipse in 38 years over the mainland U.S. slides across the sky.

From Flagstaff to Tucson, observatories, libraries and schools will be celebrating the first eclipse in 99 years to cross the country from coast-to-coast.

Arizona will not get a full eclipse — the path of totality will move east to west from Oregon to South Carolina — but that’s not stopping people from finding the best spot to watch.

The show was expected to begin around 9:13 a.m., reach its peak around 10:30 a.m. and be over with by noon.

Safety is always a concern when viewing a solar eclipse, so be sure to follow the proper guidelines to safely view the spectacle.

If you’re looking for a spot to catch the eclipse with a few other space fans, some places around the state planned events to catch all the eclipse action. Check them out below.

Arizona Science Center

The first 500 guests will get a pair of solar viewing glasses. You can also create eclipse art and make your own solar eclipse viewer.

The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon near Sixth and Washington streets in downtown Phoenix, however, the event had reached capacity by 9 a.m.

Arizona State University

Attendees will get free solar viewing glasses and can get a better look at the event using the school’s telescopes.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon on the school’s Hayden Lawn near the Memorial Union on the Tempe campus. Admission is free.

Mesa Community College

The school will host two events — one on a campus near Southern Avenue and Dobson Road and one on a campus near McKellips and Power roads — both of which are in Mesa.

Both start at 9 a.m. and end at noon. Attendees will be able to make their own solar glasses.

The planetarium near Southern Avenue and Dobson Road will offer free shows at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Lowell Observatory

People can tour the observatory just west of Flagstaff and learn more about the solar eclipse. They can also keep an eye on the work Lowell staff members are doing in Madras, Oregon, which will be in full totality.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission costs $15 for adults, children aged 5-17 are $8 and kids 4 and under are free.

Arizona Snowbowl

The Flagstaff ski facility’s scenic chairlift will take visitors over 11,000 feet up for a look at the eclipse. Tickets can be purchased from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily. Tickets for adults are $19 and children’s prices are $13.

Meteor Crater

Watch the eclipse from one of Arizona’s most significant space-related attractions. Free eclipse glasses will be offered as long as supplies hold out.

The Winslow facility will open at 7 a.m. Entrance is $18 for adults, $9 for those aged 6-17 and it is free for children 5 and under.

Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium

Flandrau will host a viewing event on the University of Arizona mall in front of the science center. It will provide telescopes and information about the eclipse.

Admission to the Tucson event is free the morning of the eclipse.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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