MILWAUKEE -- Cloudy skies forecasted in Milwaukee on Monday means we may not have a clear view of the solar eclipse.
The eclipse is set to begin at 11:53 a.m. and will end at 2:40 p.m. Several local events are prepared with back up plans in case of cloudy weather.
For more than a year, students and staff at the UWM's Manfred Olson Planetarium have been preparing for August 21, 2017.
"Here it is and we're so excited that our fellow Milwaukeeans will come and look at the cosmos with us," said Dr. Jean Creighton, the director of the planetarium.
She says she's hoping for decent weather, but if needed they can move the entire event indoors.
"We're going to live stream one of the telescopes so more people can see it simultaneously, but we are going to have a live stream from other parts through NASA," she said.
So far, 400 people have registered for UWM's event, that begins at 11 a.m. Monday. It will take place on the grass lot near Maryland Avenue and Kenwood Boulevard. Lectures and other activities will take place inside the Planetarium building.
The event is free and open to the public. There is a $5 suggested donation.
They will also have the special eclipse viewing glasses available for purchase at the event.
"Even if we run out, we do have contingency plans," said Creighton. "There will be loaners, things to look for a bit and share with your neighbor and use telescopes as well to see the image of the sun."
Clear skies permitting, we will see about 86 percent of the eclipse since we don't live in the path of totality.
"I would like everyone to share a cosmic moment with us and get to know your planetarium," said Creighton.
The following branches of the Milwaukee Public Library will have a limited number of eclipse glasses to give out Monday morning when they open. Keep in mind, some of the branches open at Noon.
- Atkinson, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave.
- Bay View, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
- Center Street, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
- East, 2320 N. Cramer St.
- Forest Home, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave.
- M.L. King, 310 W. Locust St.
- Tippecanoe, 3912 S. Howell Ave.
- Villard Square, 5190 N. 35th St.
- Washington Park, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd.
- Zablocki, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Click here for a list of other events taking place in southeast Wisconsin during the eclipse.
