FORT SMITH, Ark. — With nearly a month away from the Great American Solar Eclipse, the Fort Smith Public Library is working to ensure each local family enjoys the historic event safely.
Fort Smith is predicted to experience 95% eclipse totality on April 8.
According to the library, the Arkansas State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services provided the eclipse-safe glasses to be provided to the Fort Smith community. The glasses comply with the ISO 12312-2:2015 requirements, which NASA recommends for solar viewers.
The only safe way to view a solar eclipse is through eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. To ensure the glasses comply with international safety standards, they will have the ISO 12312 number on the inside.
Looking directly at the sun—even through an optical device like a camera or telescope—is not safe until it is completely eclipsed. There will not be total darkness for those in Fort Smith, so it is recommended to keep the glasses on the entire time.
The Fort Smith Library will provide eclipse information and will have glasses available for pickup at the following times:
- On Tuesday, March 5, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Windsor Drive Branch Library
- On Friday, March 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Dallas Street Branch Library
- On Monday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miller Branch Library
Each household can get a maximum of four pairs.
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