Nebraskans are gearing up for the total solar eclipse next month.
On Aug. 21, the moon will pass in front of the sun, and parts of our state will go dark early in the afternoon.
Thursday night, at Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, people had a chance to ask questions about the upcoming solar eclipse, learning about a schedule of events, transportation and public regulations.
For example: On eclipse day, there will be no parking at the monument. Sightseers will have to rely on shuttles or walk.
"This is one unique time in history,” said Susan Cook, chief of interpretation and resource management at Beatrice Public Library. “We have not had one cross the United States in 99 years, and for one to go all the way from east to west, hasn't happened since the 1100s. It's not going to happen again until 2044, to go all the way across the United States. "
The 2.5 minutes of darkness are expected to draw almost 500,000 tourists to Nebraska. 3 News Now will have team coverage of the eclipse from the Homestead Monument.
To help get ready for the eclipse, Bellevue's Public Library is hosting a couple information sessions in the weeks leading up to the solar event.
Gov. Pete Ricketts will view the eclipse from Carhenge near Alliance, one of several Nebraska communities hosting viewing events because it’s a prime location, along the 468-mile path of totality.
View our special section on the solar eclipse at 3NewsNow.com/eclipse.
- Monday, Aug. 7: The Omaha Astronomical Society will be at the library to tell you where, when, and how to watch the eclipse safely and hand out special safety glasses.
- Monday, Aug. 14: NASA astrophysicist Dr. Henry Winter III will drop in to talk about the sun and give people some scientific insight into the event.
