Party on! Where to watch the solar eclipse on Lower Shore

Unless you've been living on the dark side of the moon recently, you probably know a solar eclipse is coming to the mainland United States on Monday, Aug. 21. 

Now, you'd have to drive down to Charleston, South Carolina, or one of the other towns in a 70-mile wide path stretching across the United States to the Pacific Northwest, to be able to see the moon totally block the sun. 

But if you can't get off the peninsula Monday, several places around the area will be holding watch parties to view a partial eclipse. 

Here's the timeframe of how the eclipse will go down in our viewing area: 

First contact between moon and sun: 1:22 p.m.

Mid-eclipse: 2:47 p.m. (peak obscuring of the sun)

Last contact: 4:05 p.m.

CLOSER LOOK:  What Delmarva will see during the Aug. 21 total eclipse

So you'll want to get there early, grab a pair of protective glasses (some places below are giving them away on-site), and plan a good four-hour chunk of time to see the first solar eclipse in the contiguous United States since 1979.

MORE PARTY IDEAS:  Five eclipse-inspired drinks to enjoy at your eclipse party

Oh, and maybe grab some Oreo cookies too? (You're welcome).

Watch party locations: 

Worcester County

Assateague State Park

Park officials will hand out viewing glasses and have an exhibit at the "Nature Nook" 

When: Noon start 

Ocean City library

Where: 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City

When: Noon start

Pocomoke library

Where: 301 Market St., Pocomoke City

When: Noon start

Eclipse-related snacks and crafts and eclipse glasses will be available on a first come, first served basis at both libraries. 

Wicomico County 

Salisbury/Wicomico Solar Eclipse Viewing Extravaganza

Where: Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, 144 East Main St., Salisbury

When: Event starts at 1:30 p.m.

Downtown SBY Solar Eclipse Party

Where: Salisbury's Downtown Plaza and downtown parking garage

When: 2-3 p.m.

Eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed while supplies last. This is a separate event from the Salisbury Chamber's Extravaganza. The event is free and guests are encouraged to congregate at either the Plaza or parking garage to watch the eclipse. 

Wicomico Public Library, downtown Salisbury
122 S. Division St., Salisbury

Wicomico Public Library, Pittsville library
34372 Old Ocean City Road, Pittsville

Somerset County

UMES Dept. of Natural Sciences Eclipse Watch Party

Where: Academic Oval outside of Carver Hall, UMES

When: 2-3 p.m.

Eclipse-watching glasses and pinhole projectors will be available. Hands-on demonstrations showing how eclipses occur and snacks will also be available. The public and UMES staff, faculty and friends are invited. In case of bad weather, a live video feed will be shown in Hazel Hall, Room 1020. 

Crisfield Library

Where: 4 East Main St., Crisfield

When: 2 p.m. start

Solar glasses will be available for the first 40 people. 

NASA Wallops

Where: NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center and at Toms Cove Visitor Center on Assateague Island

When: Noon to 4:30 p.m.

Watch the eclipse with the folks who know their stuff when it comes to space. This official NASA viewing station will also participate in the Eclipse Megacast, a livestream that ensures guests can see the eclipse in the case of clouds blocking the solar viewing on the Eastern Shore. The event will also feature solar-themed movies, activities and crafts. Limited quantities of eclipse glasses at both locations and guests are asked to arrive early.