The total solar eclipse is rapidly approaching and the University of Wyoming Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium is celebrating the event with special programs on Aug. 18 and 19.

Samantha Ogden, coordinator for the planetarium, said the planetarium will be hosting programs to inform residents of Laramie and beyond about the eclipse and other celestial events happening this summer.

“The Great American Eclipse is approaching quickly, along with the end of summer,” Ogden says in a statement. “Join us at the Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium for everything that you need to know about making the most of August. From the total solar eclipse to the Perseid Meteor Shower, we will be your guide to day and night stargazing this month.”

The program, titled “Are You Prepared for the Great American Eclipse?” will answer questions about the eclipse, including how a solar eclipse occurs and what can be expected to occur during a solar eclipse. Free eclipse glasses will be distributed to those attending the show for safe viewing of the upcoming eclipse.

The show on Friday, Aug. 18 is scheduled for 8 p.m. A free STAR Observatory tour will be offered after Friday’s show, weather permitting. The show on Saturday, Aug. 19 will begin at 11 a.m.

Tickets for the shows cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students and can be purchased at the Department of Physics and Astronomy main office, located in room 204 of the Physical Sciences Building on the UW campus. Doors open 20 minutes before each show and any remaining tickets will be sold at the door at that time. The planetarium can be found in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building.

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