SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2024
Dear Cambridge and Somerville Constituents:
Tomorrow marks the biggest solar eclipse to hit Cambridge and Somerville for another fifty-five years!
So, in honor of this historic occasion, I want to highlight some of the viewing parties happening in our area tomorrow afternoon.
The eclipse occurs from 2:16 to 4:39 pm, with the peak occurring at 3:29 pm — and the forecast is looking decent for sunshine!
Be sure to use eye protection — and read on for where to find some for free or for purchase.
Valente Branch Library Watch Party from 3 to 4 pm, 826 Cambridge Street in Cambridge. The Cambridge Public Library says they will hand out solar eclipse glasses and invite folks to draw what they see using sidewalk chalk.
O’Connell Branch Eclipse Watch Party from 3 to 4 pm, 48 Sixth Street in East Cambridge. Enjoy the solar eclipse and some eclipse-themed refreshments while playing with chalk art and bubbles. Supplies of eclipse glasses are limited so bring your own if you can.
Cambridge Main Library Indoor Livestream from 2:30 to 4 pm, 449 Broadway. They will be live-streaming the broadcast of the eclipse from the Lecture Hall.
Somerville Central Library Viewing Party from 2 to 4 pm, 79 Highland Ave. Bring your own eclipse glasses or another viewer to watch; make eclipse chalk art; and do shadow tracing on the library’s pathways.
“Total Eclipse of the Park” from 2 to 4:40 pm at Kingsley Park near the Cambridge Water Department facility at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway in West Cambridge. The city's water department promises to have live music, free commemorative solar eclipse glasses, and interactive displays and experiments. They suggest bringing a chair or a blanket to sit on.
MIT Museum Solar Eclipse activities from 2 to 4 pm, 314 Main Street in Kendall Square. Museum admission required: Talk to an astronomer, watch NASA’s broadcast on a giant screen, and receive a free pair of eclipse glasses, while supplies last.
The Museum of Science is selling eclipse glasses in the gift shop if you still need them — and their website offers some great information about this one-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.
Nasa.gov will broadcast the solar eclipse from 1 to 4 pm. There's even more information about where to watch on Cambridge Day and regional information via Boston.com.
I'm hoping to get out on my bike and swing by some of these viewing parties tomorrow afternoon — so perhaps I'll see you out there?
All the best,
Rep. Mike Connolly
