March 27, 2024 (Herkimer, NY) — Herkimer College invites the campus community and public to celebrate and observe the 2024 solar eclipse with two, free cosmic events.

The Library will host the first event, Standing in the Moon’s Shadow: A Solar Eclipse Presentation on Wednesday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m. in the Reading Room located on the Library’s second floor. College Astronomy Professor Faith Thompson will discuss the awesome and emotional experience of viewing the upcoming eclipse, the science behind the phenomenon, and what one may expect to see.

On Monday, April 8, the date of the eclipse, there will be a celebration from 1:45-4:30 p.m. First, space-themed snacks will be served in the Library’s second-floor Reading Room followed by a brief solar presentation at 2 p.m. to prepare viewers.

The celebration then moves to the Library lawn for the main cosmic event. Participants are welcome to bring blankets and chairs for seating. The Library will be providing solar eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-served basis. The solar event begins around 2:11 p.m. and lasts until 4:36 p.m. – reaching 98.9% totality in Herkimer at approximately 2:34 p.m.

To stay up to date with Herkimer College events and activities, visit Herkimer.edu/calendar.

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About Herkimer County Community College: Located in central New York State, just off the NYS Thruway exit 30, Herkimer College is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Herkimer offers a quality and affordable educational experience and is ranked among the top two-year colleges in the nation based on transfer and graduation rates. Herkimer College offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs in art, business, communication arts, criminal justice and law, education, healthcare and service, liberal arts and sciences, and STEM, and is a leading provider of fully-online degree programs. The student body of approximately 2,500 students hails from throughout the nation and several foreign countries. With on-campus housing for more than 600 students, a nationally-ranked athletics program, and a variety of student activities, clubs and events, Herkimer College students enjoy the complete college experience. Herkimer College is a fundamental contributor to the economic development of Herkimer County and the South-Central Adirondack region. More information is available at www.herkimer.edu.