Hyde Observatory to Host Solar Eclipse Viewing Event April 8

Published on April 01, 2024

The Hyde Memorial Observatory invites residents to view the partial solar eclipse Monday, April 8. The free event will be from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the observatory located on South Shore Road inside Holmes Lake Park, 3701 S. 70th St.

Guests will view the eclipse using specially filtered telescopes. Eclipse glasses will also be available for free on a first-come, first-serve basis and video programs will be presented in the main lecture room. Residents are reminded not to look directly at the sun without appropriate eye protection.

The moon will begin to cover the sun at 12:38 p.m. Unlike the 2017 eclipse, Lincoln is not in the center path of the eclipse, therefore viewers will see only a partial eclipse. About 80% of the sun will be covered at 1:53 p.m.

The Hyde Memorial Observatory is owned by the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department and operated by volunteers. The facility is open Saturday nights year-round except on major holidays. Hours change seasonally and are as follows:

• March 15 through August: sundown to 11 p.m.
• September: 8 to 11 p.m.
• October 1 through March 14: 7 to 10 p.m.

Visitors are urged to call 402-441-7094 to confirm hours.

Equipment and programs at the observatory are funded by donations. Those interested in volunteering must complete the Parks and Recreation volunteer form or email Neal Bryan, Parks and Recreation, at nbryan@lincoln.ne.gov.

For more information on the Hyde Memorial Observatory, visit hydeobservatory.info or call 402-441-7094.

For more information on Lincoln Parks and Recreation, visit parks.lincoln.ne.gov.