The cosmos is full of transitory and fleeting phenomena that are wondrous to behold. Among the most awe-inspiring is a total solar eclipse, when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. If you are standing in the path of the Moon's shadow as it obscures the Sun, day will become night. The face of the Sun will vanish, replaced with a streaming crown of light called the corona.

North America will be treated to two eclipses in the coming months. On October 14, an annular eclipse (a “ring of fire”) will be visible across the American West, from Oregon to the Texas coast. On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross the continental United States, providing millions of people with the opportunity to see an eclipse in person. It will pass through Illinois on its way from Texas to Maine. 

In this slide program, astronomer Dr. Shane Larsen will return to explore some of the important ways that eclipses have historically helped us develop a better understanding of the Earth and its place in the cosmos. He'll review the basics of total solar eclipses and talk about what to expect and how to safely enjoy them.

This program will take place in the Forte Room on the first floor of the library, past the Reference Desk and to the left. Drop-ins are welcome!

The program will also be livestreamed on Zoom. TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY, REGISTER HERE TO RECEIVE A LINK. Please note that virtual attendees will be unable to ask the presenter questions. The program will be recorded and placed on the library's YouTube channel.

About the presenter: Dr. Shane Larson is a research professor of physics at Northwestern University, where he is the associate director of CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics). He works in the field of gravitational wave astrophysics, specializing in studies of compact stars, binaries, and the galaxy. He works in gravitational wave astronomy with both the ground-based LIGO project and the future space-based observatory LISA. He was formerly a tenured associate professor of physics at Utah State University. He is an award-winning teacher and a fellow of the American Physical Society. He contributes regularly to a public science blog at writescience.wordpress.com and tweets with the handle @sciencejedi.

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Grades 5 and up

Drop in to create cool crafts like friendship bracelets, keychains, shrinky dink charms, mini squishies, and more!  Make something to trade at the GYS Swap Shop, or just chill with friends.  Can't stay?  Grab a bag to go!

Get in the autumn spirit and paint a miniature craft pumpkin to decorate your home or office! Materials will be provided.

Get in the autumn spirit and paint a miniature craft pumpkin to decorate your home or office! Materials will be provided.

Get ready for the holidays and make your own custom card using the library's circulating Cricut Joy machine! Experience not required; if you have your own Cricut machine or plan on checking out the library's machine in the future, bringing your smartphone or laptop computer with a Cricut app or program installed may be helpful. Materials will be provided.

Get ready for the holidays and make your own custom card using the library's circulating Cricut Joy machine! Experience not required; if you have your own Cricut machine or plan on checking out the library's machine in the future, bringing your smartphone or laptop computer with a Cricut app or program installed may be helpful. Materials will be provided.

All Ages

Grades 5 and up

Drop in to create cool crafts like friendship bracelets, keychains, shrinky dink charms, mini squishies, and more!  Make something to trade at the GYS Swap Shop, or just chill with friends.  Can't stay?  Grab a bag to go!