This is America’s first solar eclipse in 99 years. Here are 16 ways to watch it in South Florida
Isn’t it a joy when the stuff in schoolbooks makes an appearance in real life? I, for one, have never had to use the formula for finding the area of an octagon outside of the classroom, but that astronomy stuff is pretty cool. Cool like the moon will completely block the sun, making stars visible in the middle of the day cool.
By now, you know that’s called a solar eclipse. On Monday, the path of the eclipse will travel across the United States for the first time in 99 years, according to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. And everyone from bartenders, museum nerds, psychics, yogis and college students are getting in on the phenomenon, which will reach its peak at approximately 2:58 p.m. We won’t experience a full solar eclipse in South Florida — the moon will only cover up to about 80 percent of the sun — but with all the events and activities happening, there’s no reason to complain.
Here’s how to get the most out of the experience, which won’t happen again in the U.S. until April 2024.
1. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Didn’t order your eclipse viewing glasses in time? That’s OK because the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science will be giving them out for free to museum guests. Watch the partial eclipse from the Science Plaza, any one of the museum’s terraces, via NASA’s Eclipse Megacast livestream or from a solar telescope. Guests should arrive before 1:26 p.m.
2. The National Hotel
Perhaps you prefer your eclipse with a cocktail. You can purchase two moonshine cocktails for under $20 all day at The National Hotel during its solar eclipse watch party. Mark the occasion with a complimentary tarot and palm reading between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Free viewing glasses will be available while supplies last.
3. Pullman Miami
The moon’s role in the solar eclipse was not lost on the crew at Pullman Miami. They’ll have free viewing glasses to complement their half-off special for Blue Moon beer between 2 and 5 p.m.
4. S3
You can count down to the eclipse with drink specials and sushi rolls at S3 in Fort Lauderdale. Cocktails concocted with Mount Gay Eclipse Rum are $5, while Coronas are $3. S3 will also provide free viewing glasses. The watch party starts at noon and ends at 5 p.m.
Make reservations by calling 954-523-7873 or by visiting www.s3restaurant.com.
5. EAST, Miami with Modern Om
Yogis around the country are using the solar eclipse as an opportunity to recenter their energies. In Miami, that means there will be several meditation events. Take a mat and some water to the deck of EAST, Miami at 1 p.m. for a free meditation class with Michelle Berlin of Modern Om. The class will take place during the eclipse from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., with allotted time for viewing until 4:20 p.m.
6. Charles Deering Estate
Safely view the solar eclipse when you visit the Deering Estate with professional telescopes provided by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society. Guests are encouraged to bring their own viewing glasses, but protective eye gear will also be available for purchase.
The viewing will take place between 1 and 4 p.m. Admission costs are $12 for adults and $7 for children over 4.
7. Coral Castle
Catch the eclipse from a mansion made mysteriously of coral rock. The historic Coral Castle will offer free solar glasses and psychic readings starting just after 1 p.m. The watch party continues until 5 p.m.
8. South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association & The Fox Observatory
If you’re serious about the skies, you might be interested in joining the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association, which is hosting a free event starting at 1:30 p.m. Safety eye gear will be provided.
9. Coral Gables Art Cinema
You can escape the heat at the Coral Gables Art Cinema, which will be screening “Eclipse Across America: Through the Eyes of NASA,” which is the space administration’s four hour broadcast documenting the solar eclipse with the use of a variety of cutting-edge technologies. Catch the livestream beginning at noon until 3 p.m.
10. University of Miami
For a celestial-themed watch party, head over to the University of Miami where the college astronomy club has promised Capri Suns, cosmic brownies, Milky Way, Orbitz gum, Pop Rocks, Starburts and Sun Drop candies. Get it?
Join the eclipse aficionados on the campus’ central meeting spot, The Rock, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
11. Florida International University
Become informed on all things eclipses and get a chance to view the partial solar eclipse through safe telescopes with members of FIU’s astronomy club. What will the soundtrack to this astronomical phenomenon be? Find out at the Stocker AstroScience Center starting at noon.
12. Nova Southeastern University
Bring your eclipse glasses to the library lawn of Nova Southeastern University or catch the total eclipse inside the library where NASA’s broadcast will be screened from noon until 4 p.m.
13. Florida Atlantic University Astronomical Observatory
The solar eclipse is no doubt a great teaching moment. Learn about it through an interactive walk of the solar system at FAU. The Sidewalk Solar Eclipse Expedition will be paired with outdoor viewing of the eclipse plus an observation of the moment through a high-tech telescope. This free event begins at 1:30 and ends at 4:30 p.m.
14. LauderAle Brewery
Two words: free beer. Oh, and you can catch the partial solar eclipse
15. Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar
Since most people will be outside to view the solar eclipse, it doesn’t hurt to fire up the grill. That’s exactly what will happen at the Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar, which is hosting a barbecue on its private beach. Score free viewing glasses and discounted cocktails from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
16. Dania Beach Pier
Mix adventure with science by kayaking during the solar eclipse on Dania Beach. The $49 ticket price will get you a rented kayak and gear, plus a tour guide, solar eclipse viewing glasses, water and snacks. Call 305-957-3040 to make mandatory reservations.
This story was originally published August 18, 2017 at 2:08 AM.