WISCONSIN — It’s only a few weeks until the United States will experience a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. It’ll be the last one visible in the States until 2044.
While Wisconsin isn’t in the “path of totality,” the state will still experience a partial solar eclipse, with some areas seeing close to 90% coverage at the peak.
In Milwaukee, the eclipse will take place from around 12:52 p.m. and 3:21 p.m. The peak will happen around 2:08 p.m. when the moon covers the sun by 89.4%. In Madison, the peak will happen around 2:06 and will see about 86.8% coverage. In Green Bay, coverage will get to around 84.6% at 2:09 p.m. You can find out what the eclipse will look like in your area here.
Many places across the state are hosting viewing parties, so if you’re not able to travel to locations in the path of totality, there are still plenty of options to gather.
Here’s a list of some local spots holding events.
UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium viewing
Date & Time: April 8, 1-3 p.m.
Location: UWM Union Ballroom & Spaights Plaza
Everyone is invited to this event at UWM, which comes complete with free pizza, cookies and beverages. The university will also have a photo station, an eclipse glasses decorating area and other crafts.
Milwaukee Public Museum viewing
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
Location: Outside MPM by the Green Clock on Wells Street
MPM is providing telescopes with special filters and eclipse glasses for $2 each.
Friends of Wehr Nature Center viewing
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Wehr Nature Center
See the eclipse through a solar-filtered telescope or through viewing glasses the center will be selling for $1.
Solar Eclipse Viewing at Schlitz
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Naturalists at the center will be around to assist viewers with seeing the eclipse and answer questions. The event will take place on the Veranda. Officials said the host will project the sun through a solar scope onto poster board.
Total Solar Eclipse Shindig at Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium
Date & Time: April 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium
Glasses will be provided for the first 100 guests, but the planetarium will also have solar telescopes available. The event is open for all ages.
Solar Eclipse Streaming in Brookfield
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
Location: Brookfield Public Library
The Brookfield library will stream NASA’s web broadcast of the solar eclipse in the Community Room.
Eclipse Viewing in Oconomowoc
Date & Time: April 8, 1-2:30 p.m.
Location: Oconomowoc Public Library
Available to all ages, this public event will broadcast the eclipse on the big screen and have glasses available for checkout. There will also be some fun activities for kids.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party! at American Science & Surplus
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: American Science & Surplus
Complete with trivia, prizes and food available at local food trucks, this public event will take place in the American Science & Surplus parking lot. Glasses will be available for purchase.
DNR Solar Eclipse Viewing
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Newport State Park
Starting at 12:30 p.m., learn about the eclipse before it starts. Interested people can meet at Lot 3. Special viewing glasses will be available at the event.
Viewing party at Frank L. Weyenberg Library
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
Location: Frank L. Weyenberg Library
The event at the Mequon-Thiensville library will include activities and crafts and a special science-themed story time. Officials said attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets or a picnic lunch.
Solar eclipse viewing in Kaukauna
Date & Time: April 8, 12:45-3 p.m.
Location: Kaukauna Public Library
The library will host a solar eclipse viewing party for all ages.
The Heide Observatory viewing
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
Location: Hawthorn Hollow Nature
Located in Kenosha, the observatory will play host to a viewing experience. It is a ticketed event based on donations. Those can be secured here.
Solar Eclipse Party in Sauk City
Date & Time: April 8, 1-3 p.m.
Location: George Culver Community Library
Get free eclipse glasses, enjoy an outdoor scavenger hunt, live feeds from NASA, sun-themed music, snacks and crafts at this party.
Solar Eclipse Paint and Sip
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
Location: New Berlin Public Library
Taking place at the Heritage Room in the New Berlin Public Library, this event will feature galaxy watercolor paintings and celestial mocktails. The event is for those 18 and up.
Eclipse Celebration in Elkhorn
Date & Time: April 8, 12:30-2 p.m.
Location: Sunset Park
This celebration is a combination effort by the Aram Public Library, Barrett Memorial Library, East Troy Public Library, Lake Geneva Public Library and Matheson Memorial Library. There will be a solar-themed craft or two and food from local food trucks. Free glasses will be provided.
*This is not a comprehensive list of Wisconsin eclipse events. Check your local library or government website to see what events are taking place near you.