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.