Midland County Public Libraries join NASA in celebrating the Celestial Event of the Century

MIDLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES JOIN NASA IN CELEBRATING THE CELESTIAL EVENT OF THE CENTURY PERMIAN BASIN, TX — The Midland County Public Libraries are joining more than 1,000 libraries across the country to participate in the celestial event of the century, the August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse. During this national event, the shadow of the moon will sweep across the United States in a narrow band from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacle that hasn't occurred in nearly 40 years. It is aptly named the Great American Eclipse.
Through support from the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Google, and the National Science Foundation the Midland County Public Libraries have 1,000 safe viewing glasses to distribute free of charge to community members.
On Aug 14 local astronomer Daryl Lane will lead a safe viewing seminar from 5pm to 6pm at the Centennial Library. After 40 years as a teacher Daryl took up astronomy, and has been a member of the West Texas Astronomers for 13 years.
The public is encouraged to come to the Centennial Library for the eclipse on Aug 21. The library will host family friendly space themed storytimes and activities from 11:30 to 2:30. The prime eclipse viewing time in Midland is 12:35pm.
Safe viewing glasses are available free to the public at the Centennial and Downtown libraries. They are being distributed one per person on a first come first serve basis while supplies last.
Interviews or Additional Information
Daryl Lane, West Texas Astronomers
home: 432-742-1249 cell: 432-413-9988 lanedaryl3@gmail.com
Edward McPherson, Education & Program Coordinator, Midland County Public Libraries
(432)742-7438, libadm02@co.midland.tx.us
John Trischitti III, Library Director, Midland County Public Libraries
(432)688-4333 libadm01@co.midland.tx.us