On Monday, residents of Denver will have the exciting opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun. Although Colorado is not in the path of totality, locals can still experience the awe-inspiring celestial event for themselves. The eclipse is expected to last around 2 ½ hours, with peak visibility occurring at 12:40 p.m., when approximately 65% of the sun will be covered by the moon.

To celebrate this rare occurrence, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science will be hosting a special viewing event for people of all ages. The museum will offer 30-minute presentations in their planetarium, where visitors can learn about the different aspects of an eclipse and how to safely observe one. The use of solar eclipse glasses will be strongly encouraged, as they provide optimal protection for the eyes.

In addition to using eclipse glasses, visitors can also utilize a seemingly unconventional method to view the eclipse safely. By using a kitchen colander, individuals can project the eclipse onto the ground, allowing younger observers to witness the phenomenon without any risk to their eyes. Emily Doherty, who works at the museum, explained, "We can pull out a kitchen colander, and that'll project the eclipse onto the ground around us, and through all the holes so your kiddos can be looking down at the ground safely and still be able to see the full eclipse."

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is excited to once again provide a platform for science enthusiasts to come together and appreciate the wonders of the universe. Doherty reflected on a previous eclipse viewing event, saying, "It was very exciting, lots of smiling faces, very busy, and a great way to build community with science lovers all around us."

If you are interested in joining the eclipse viewing event at the museum, mark your calendar! The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., ensuring that visitors have ample time to witness this celestial spectacle.

It is important to note that this partial solar eclipse is a special occurrence, as the next total solar eclipse in the United States will not take place until the year 2044. So be sure to grab your solar eclipse glasses and head outside to experience this mesmerizing event firsthand!