Astronomy lovers and those who have an interest in Monday's solar eclipse can attend the Orlando Science Center's solar eclipse event.

With general admission to the science center, enthusiasts will get free solar glasses to view the rare celestial event safely.

Phone filters will also be available to capture pictures of the eclipse, and attendees can watch solar eclipse demos and presentations from the science center's staff, Vice President of Marketing Jeff Stanford said.

Adults and children will also get to use telescopes fitted with special filters to see the eclipse.

People should never stare at the eclipse without eye protection. Protective eyewear needs to be verified by the American Astronomical Society.

On Monday, a rare total solar eclipse will cross the U.S. from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast. The 70-mile-wide path of totality — where residents and tourists will experience night for a short period of time — will enter the country in Oregon, cross 12 states and exit in South Carolina.

In Central Florida, we'll experience a partial solar eclipse, about 70-80 percent. Monday's eclipse starts at 1 p.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. at the center, but Stanford recommended getting ready to view the solar eclipse at about 2:30 p.m. The main event will happen in Central Florida at 2:51 p.m.

"It will feel like early twilight without the sun setting," Stanford said, describing what it will be like across our area.

Stanford said the center is also working to have a live stream of the eclipse.

For those who can't make it to the Orlando Science Center on Monday, the center will have two satellite sites where people can still get free solar viewing glasses and speak with staff about the eclipse, he said. Those viewing sites are:

  • Central Park West Meadow in Winter Park
  • Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Additional information about what the Orlando Science Center has to offer can be found here.