St. Louis – On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will cross the entire country for the first time in 38 years. The last total solar eclipse was on Feb. 26, 1979. Solar eclipses happen when the moon moves between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over Earth.
Looking directly at the sun without the correct eye protection, even for a short time, can cause permanent damage to your retinas. Ensure that you have the proper eye protection for viewing during the event.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District invites the public to view this rare and cosmic event at St. Louis District sites. Eclipse events and programs will take place at the following locations:
Rend Lake
On Aug. 19, Rend Lake Visitor Center will host "The Science of a Solar Eclipse" presented at both 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on Aug. 21, faculty from the Science Center of Southern Illinois will have an eclipse model where visitors can learn about the science behind the cosmos, and also create some take-home cosmo crafts.
Contact: Rend Lake Visitor Center
(618) 724-2493
http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Rend-Lake/
Wappapello Lake
The Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center will be open for viewing on Aug. 21. The first 50 visitors will receive eclipse glasses for the event.
Contact: Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center
(573) 222-8562
http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Wappapello-Lake/
Mark Twain Lake
Dr. Robert Sadler from Culver Stockton College will be discussing solar and lunar eclipses, their causes, and how to observe them on Aug. 21 at 11:20 a.m. at the M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center.
Contact: M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center
(573) 565-2112
http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Mark-Twain-Lake/
For more information on nationwide eclipse activities, observing assets, and viewing safety, visit
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/.
For more information on USACE recreation opportunities visit
www.CorpsLakes.us.