Orlando Science Center among Central Fla. spots gearing up for eclipse

Seminole State College to offer 5,000 pairs of glasses at Monday's event

ORLANDO, Fla. – Like many places across the country, eclipse fever has made its way to Central Florida, and places like the Orlando Science Center are gearing up for Monday’s big show.

Stephanie Kazmierzak, the manager of public programs at the center, said that although they have been preparing for months, no one at the center knew it was going to be as big a deal and exciting as it has turned out to be for many Central Floridians. Kazmierzak said the hype has made those at the center even more excited about the total solar eclipse that will take place Monday.

"We've got activities, we've got science experiments, we will have a couple telescopes set up on the terrace and we will have programs all about what an eclipse (is) and why it's going to look the way it looks here in Florida," Kazmierzak said.

The event at the center is just one of many events taking place Monday across Central Florida, and attending watch parties may be the only way people who haven’t gotten the proper eclipse glasses yet will be able to get their hands on a pair, as several places have already sold out of them.

The glasses at the science center will be free with admission.

Many public libraries across Central Florida are also handing them out for free to those who attend their events.

Seminole State College is expecting a large crowd. It has 5,000 pairs of glasses ready for eager skywatchers.

"We're really excited that people are so happy to take part in this event," Michael McConville, Seminole State College’s planetarium coordinator, said.

The eclipse's peak in Central Florida is expected to come at 2:51 p.m.
News 6 has gone cross-country following the path of totality leading up to the big day. To keep up with all the eclipse coverage, visit ClickOrlando.com/eclipse.