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CASS COUNTY — A local organization is making sure its community will not be left in the dark during Monday’s solar eclipse.

The Cass County Council on Aging is hosting a solar eclipse viewing party from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 8 at the Edward Lowe Center, 60525 Decatur Rd., Cassopolis. The free event will feature solar eclipse-themed games, trivia, information and refreshments. Those planning to attend are asked to bring their own chairs. If the sky is cloudy, a live stream of the eclipse will be shown.

Free solar eclipse viewing glasses will be available for the first 100 who register, which can be done here or by calling (269) 445-8110.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, blocking all or part of the sun’s light. This happens when the sun, moon, and earth align in a straight line or close to it. Total, partial, and annular eclipses describe how completely the moon covers the Sun. An eclipse of similar magnitude is not projected to occur until 2079.  

Eclipse forecasts predict that the peak totality, the time during which the moon passes between the earth and sun, will occur around 3:20 p.m.  

People in the Cassopolis area will be able to experience a partial solar eclipse with 96 percent coverage. For those planning to view the event at home or elsewhere, the only safe way to look directly at the sun is through a special-purpose solar filter. These solar filters are used in “eclipse glasses” or in hand-held solar viewers. They must meet a very specific worldwide standard known as ISO 12312-2. Ordinary sunglasses or exposed film negatives are not a safe alternative to these designated filters.