On Monday, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America, casting darkness over several states — and while Colorado will be outside the path of totality, residents will still be looking up to the skies for a glimpse of the partial eclipse. 

Here are five things to know about Monday’s eclipse, including where you can go in Colorado Springs to celebrate this highly-anticipated celestial event.

What time will the eclipse happen in Colorado Springs? 

The partial eclipse will begin at 11:26 a.m. and will conclude at 1:53 p.m., according to NASA’s interactive Eclipse Explorer tool. Colorado Springs will see the max partial eclipse at 12:39 p.m. The total duration is 2 hours and 27 minutes.

What eclipse percentage will we see in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is expected to get nearly 68% coverage on Monday. Cities in southeast Colorado are anticipated to get the highest percentage of coverage in the state. That includes Walsh (77.3%) and Springfield (76.5%) according to NASA’s interactive eclipse map.  

Do I need eclipse glasses to watch the partial eclipse from Colorado Springs?

Yes. You will need safe solar-viewing glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer for the entire duration of the partial eclipse. Solar viewing glasses are different from regular sunglasses and are thousands of times darker, according to NASA.  

If you plan on traveling to a state in the path of totality, solar eclipse glasses will still be necessary, except during the brief total phase when the moon completely blocks the sun’s face. Viewing the sun through a camera lens, telescope, or anything without a special-purpose filter on the front will result in severe eye injury, NASA reports. 

For more viewing safety info from NASA, click here. 

Where can I get eclipse glasses in Colorado Springs?

Major retailers 

Several retailers such as Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Staples, as well as 7-Eleven, had solar eclipse glasses available for in-person purchase. Call ahead for availability.

PPLD libraries 

The Pikes Peak Library District libraries have solar eclipse glasses available for pick-up. Limited to two per family and available while supplies last. The East and Rockrimmon libraries will be also hosting viewing parties, where a limited amount of solar eclipse viewing glasses will be given away.

What eclipse events are happening around Colorado Springs?

Pikes Peak Library District viewing parties – Free

The East, Rockrimmon and Calhan libraries will host solar eclipse viewing parties on April 8. The libraries will have games and activities throughout the morning. A limited amount of eclipse viewing glasses will be given away. 

Heller Center Solar Eclipse event– Free

The Heller Center for Arts & Humanities at UCCS will be hosting a solar eclipse event starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Heller Center Studio. A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available.

Viewing Party at Goat Patch Brewing Co. – Free

Goat Patch will open at 11 a.m. on April 8 for a solar eclipse viewing party. The brewery will have a limited amount of viewing glasses. The glasses will be available on a first come, first serve basis.