I was 10 years old the last time the world went dark. We all gathered in the school yard that February day in 1979 with our viewers we’d made in class, our bits of glass from welding helmets, and anything else we could find to experience the magic of a hot Texas sun suddenly extinguished.

I don’t really remember what the sun looked like during the eclipse, but I’ll never forget how the shadows turned into crescent moons just before and after totality. Looking back, I realize it was one of several defining moments of my childhood that put me on a path of lifelong exploration, observation, study, discovery, and love of our natural world.

You are invited to view the Solar Eclipse at a Virginia State Park

Solar Eclipse (Credit: Creative Commons Pixabay)

You are invited to come view the solar eclipse at a Virginia State Park

Click here to see where you can get a great view. Click here to enter your zipcode to find out your view and exact timeframe.

We have a few things to help you out. To help protect your eyes each park will have commemorative eclipse viewing glasses available for free at either the contact station or the park office.

Some parks are offering guided or self-guided programs that day for anyone who wants to explore more about the sun.

Come build memories with us – you won’t get this opportunity again until 2045, so make your plans today.

Click here to get a full listing of programs available.