The latest series of information sessions on the total eclipse are coming up in two weeks, and the public is strongly encouraged to attend. The St. Joseph Visitors Bureau, along city and county officials, have scheduled sessions July 26 at the Scottish Rite Temple Theater, 515 N. 6th Street in St. Joseph. The free sessions are planned at 9am, 1pm and 6pm.

During the hour and a half sessions, there will be a presentation the history of eclipses, the special effects you can expect to see and common sense viewing tips presented by Dr. Angela Speck. Dr. Speck, Director of Astronomy at University of Missouri, will also explain why this eclipse is generating so much attention, the time-line of the eclipse, and why St. Joseph is a prime viewing location. Dr. Speck was recently featured as one of the guest speakers on the NASA 2017 eclipse science panel press briefing live-stream on June 21 of this year.

Following Dr. Speck, the public will also learn about the many special events that our local residents, family and friends can enjoy set in St. Joseph during the prior weekend and day of the eclipse from Beth Conway, Communications Director of the St. Joseph Visitors Bureau.

Rounding out the sessions, city and county emergency management officials will share how the entire community and region is preparing for this special event, and a panel will be available for questions and answers from the audience.

Solar Eclipse merchandise will also be available for purchase, including the ever-important solar safety sunglasses.