Francis Marion to host numerous events to celebrate Great American Eclipse

The nation’s eyes will be tuned to the sun on Aug. 21. Then, eventually on to the moon as it creates an incredibly rare solar eclipse.

“The Great American Eclipse,” as it’s come to be known, will be the focus of Francis Marion as well. The university will feature a number of free events center on the eclipse.

Beginning on Saturday, Aug. 19, the Dooley Planetarium will host a Solar Workshop for families with small children at 9 a.m. followed by a Solar Workshop for families with older children at 10:30. All workshops require pre-registration.

Sunday, Aug. 20 will see the Planetarium host three programs. Earth Moon & Sun will be presented at 2 p.m., followed by Solar Superstorms, and again at 6 p.m. The 6 p.m. showing is just for college students.

Monday’s eclipse viewing will be held at the Griffin Athletic Complex. The eclipse is expected to reach near totality at 2:45 in the Florence area.

The GAC will open at noon, allowing for viewers to prepare for totality later in the afternoon. Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Dooley Planetarium Dr. Jeannette Myers says FMU will be at 99.8 percent totality during the eclipse.

This means the eclipse will darken campus and the surrounding area for just a few seconds at approximately 2:45.