ESCANABA — On April 8 residents of Delta County will see a partial eclipse of the sun, with 82% of its disc covered by the moon at maximum.

In order to view or photograph any phase of the eclipse as seen here you will need will safe solar filters or a way to view the image of the sun indirectly. Classes are being offered locally to show participants how to make a safe pinhole viewer or solar filters to view the eclipse safely.

The eclipse will begin in Escanaba at 1:57 p.m. Eastern time, when the moon’s edge makes first contact with the disc of the sun as seen from our location. As the eclipse begins, the sun will be 510 above the horizon.

Maximum eclipse will occur at 3:11 p.m. when 82% of the sun will be covered by the moon. At 4:22 p.m. the eclipse will end as the trailing edge of the moon slips away from the eastern edge of the sun.

Throughout the eclipse it will remain daylight here, though the sky may darken noticeably at maximum eclipse, around 3 p.m., as if it was evening. Please remember, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without solar filters or special viewing devices at any time during this partial eclipse, as seen in our area.

The Delta Astronomical Society (DAS) and Escanaba Public Library are offering two free workshops, one for elementary school kids fifth through eighth grade, and one for teens and adults, to help you make your own safe solar viewers and filters for cameras, binoculars, telescopes, smart phones or tablets.

Safe Solar Viewers for Kids: This is a free workshop on Saturday, March 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. for kids in grades fifth through eighth at the Escanaba Public Library. Participants will make a safe pinhole viewer to view the eclipse.

Teens and adults: This class will show how to make your own solar filters for binoculars, cameras, smartphones, tablets, and small telescopes up to about 8 inches. Each participant will make up to two small filters using ANSI approved, American made Polymer film and cardboard.The class will be held Wednesday, March 20 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Escanaba Public Library

These classes are supported by a gift from Friends of the Library.

Space is Limited for each of these classes. Contact the Escanaba Public Library for more information at 906-789-7332.