Here are the current sky conditions and predictions for Chamberlin Observatory from our friends at ClearDarkSky.com. Click the image for a better view and more details.
Q: Where is the watch party?
A: Observatory Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/HPCDvyWr5AxnyM5n8)
Q: When do you open?
A: This is an outdoor event. The Park is already “open”. Our volunteers will probably arrive to start setting up around 10am. The observatory building will be open for restrooms only around 11am. There will be no tours or access to the large telescope
Q: Do you have eclipse glasses for sale?
A: Yes, we have lots of eclipse glasses left. We have halted all online sales and reserved the remainder of our inventory for in-person sales at our eclipse event at the Chamberlin Observatory on April 8th.
Q: Can I buy eclipse glasses from you before Monday?
A: No. We won’t have volunteers available to facilitate distribution of purchased products until the day of the event. Additionally, the observatory office will not be open to the public between now and the eclipse.
Q: I can’t make it to your Monday event. Where else might I find eclipse glasses?
A: At 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, someone reported they found some at a local Staples.
Q: When is your eclipse event?
A: Our event will last roughly from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, April 8th. You are more than welcome to arrive earlier than 11. Observatory Park is a public space, and you can grab some grass, set up some blankets and chairs, and enjoy the morning before the crowds kick in.
Q: When does the eclipse happen?
A: The eclipse begins at about 11:28 a.m., reaches its maximum at 12:40 p.m., and ends at 1:58 p.m.
Q: What should I bring?
A: If all goes well, you’ll be standing in the sun for up to three hours. Sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants, and sunscreen, is most important. Hydration in Colorado is always a good idea, especially if you’re in the sun. Eye protection! Do not look at the sun without approved safety glasses or optical devices with approved solar filters. We will have eclipse glasses for sale on-site if you do not have any..
Q: When should I arrive to get in line to look through a telescope?
A: We will have volunteers with several telescopes available for viewing. It is impossible to know how many people will arrive and when, so there is no way to guarantee that you will be in line at the right time to see the eclipse through one of our available telescopes. However, it should be fun just being around a large group of enthusiastic stargazers.
Q: What are your plans in the event of bad weather?
A: Stargazing is an activity at the mercy of the weather. If it’s cloudy, we won’t be able to see the sun. You might be able to experience the sky dimming, but telescopes cannot see through clouds. If there is rain, we will pack up and go. If full cloud cover is expected for the duration of the event, we may also shut down the event.
Cloud Map for the Chamberlin Observatory – updated regularly
Q: How can I stay informed about the event and the weather?
A: We will try to post any updates as quickly as possible here and on our two main social pages:
Facebook Event Page
Twitter
For more eclipse resources, visit our eclipse page HERE.