National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City Library to host eclipse parties

Although the path of the complete eclipse is a couple hundred miles southeast of Linn County, we are expected to experience 91% of the sun's rays being blocked by the sun on Monday afternoon. (Wix file photo)

Where can you view the eclipse in Linn County on Monday, April 8?  The weather forecast for the area is for sunny, clear skies with a high in the 70s. So the answer to this question is, “Anywhere.”

However, you may want to make it more of a party, and there are a couple of place you can go to meet with fellow eclise-lovers:

•The Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge is sponsoring an eclipse viewing from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Nova Clarke, visitor services manager, says the peak period to see a 91% eclipse will be about 1:54 p.m., but visitors can stop by the NWR center on Kansas Highway 52 just east of the U.S. Highway 69 interchange anytime during that two-hour window.

The headquarters will have eclipse glasses, and for those who want a closer view, a solar scope.

• The Mound City Library is also hosting a viewing eclipse-viewing party from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. on Monday. Viewing glasses will be available and snacks will be served.