The “Great American Total Solar Eclipse” will darken the skies of Houston on Aug. 21 from 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Although Houston is not in the path of totality, peak obscuration of almost 70 percent will take place at approximately 1:15 p.m., according to the Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center. Here are a few events in The Woodlands area where you can learn more about the solar eclipse and safely view the spectacle:

Watch events

Solar Eclipse: History, Science & Belief Aug. 19 In preparation for the solar eclipse, the Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center hosts this indoor class to explore the history of solar eclipses and the science behind them. Participants will also get to create their own solar eclipse viewers for safe observation of the spectacle on Aug. 21. The class is intended for students age 10 and older and registration is required. 10-11 a.m. Free. Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center, 1300 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring. 281-364-4225. www.springcreekgreenway.org Solar Eclipse Party at South Regional Library Aug. 21 Sponsored by South Montgomery County Friends of the Library, this event will allow attendees to safely view the eclipse through provided eclipse glasses. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view a live streaming of the eclipse and participate in solar-themed activities.11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. South Regional Library, 2101 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 936-442-7727. www.countylibrary.org Solar Eclipse Watch Party at Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center Aug. 21 Attendees will be able to safely view the solar eclipse through viewers provided by the Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center and watch NASA’s live webcast of the event. 11:30-2 p.m. Free. Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center, 1300 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring. 281-364-4225. www.springcreekgreenway.org Conroe ISD Aug. 21 The district will also allow students to view the solar eclipse during school hours and will provide approved viewing glasses. Students in elementary school will need parental consent to participate in the event, while students in secondary schools do not need a parent's permission.

Where to buy viewers

According to the American Astronomical Society, there are several local retailers where residents can find solar eclipse viewers. Prices vary by location. Best Buy 1550 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands 281-292-1355 www.bestbuy.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Kirkland’s 27842 I-45 N., The Woodlands 832-585-0020 www.kirklands.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. Kroger 4747 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 281-367-1591 www.kroger.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 6 a.m.-1 a.m. Kroger 8000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 281-419-1116 www.kroger.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 6 a.m.-1 a.m. Kroger 6700 Woodlands Parkway, Ste. 600, The Woodlands 281-296-0186 www.kroger.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 6 a.m.-1 a.m. Kroger 24350 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball 281-205-0532 www.kroger.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 6 a.m.-1 a.m. Kroger 6616 FM 1488 Road, Magnolia 936-321-9885 www.kroger.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 6 a.m.-1 a.m. Lowe’s Home Improvement 3052 College Park Drive, Conroe 936-271-1166 www.lowes.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Toys “R” Us 1420 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands 281-367-0061 www.toysrus.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Walmart Supercenter 1025 Sawdust Road, Spring 281-298-4306 www.walmart.com Hours: Open 24/7 Walmart Supercenter 3040 College Park Drive, The Woodlands 936-321-9922 www.walmart.com Hours: Open 24/7 Walmart 2901 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring 832-823-7815 www.walmart.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 6 a.m.-midnight Walmart Grocery Pickup 25800 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball 281-386-3203 www.walmart.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The Woodlands Children’s Museum 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280 281-465-0955 www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org Hours: Sun.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.