Solar Eclipse 2017 happening today: How to watch & what to know

The 2017 Great American Eclipse is happening today.

The solar eclipse will begin shortly after 1 p.m. in the Miami Valley and will last nearly three hours.

>> RELATED: What you need to know about the 2017 solar eclipse

Storm Center 7 Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs will be doing a Facebook Live at 10 a.m. ahead of the eclipse on Dayton Daily News Facebook page. From 1 until 4 p.m., meteorologists will be live on the WHIO Facebook page from the Storm Center 7 studio and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.

WHIO Radio will have a special live show from 1 until 4 p.m. The special Eclipse show can be listened to live here.

>> WATCH: Here’s what the solar eclipse will look like in the Miami Valley

There are several events planned throughout the Miami Valley today, including over 10 watch parties.

>> RELATED: 11 solar eclipse watch parties in Dayton

Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Brett Collar said there is a slight chance for rain today with some cloud coverage, but there will still be the chance to see the eclipse this afternoon.

>> RELATED: Great American Eclipse: Will clouds or rain hamper eclipse viewing?

Some local schools are closing today out of concern for student safety, while other districts are making plans, as the eclipse will be happening around dismissal time.

>> RELATED: Some local schools close, others make plans for today’s solar eclipse

Since the Miami Valley won’t experience a total solar eclipse, there is a threat and concern that looking directly at the eclipse could cause retina damage to your eyes. If you don’t have a pair of certified eclipse glasses, there are other ways to view the eclipse, including a pinhole projector.

>> RELATED: How to watch the Great American Eclipse safely

>> RELATED: Solar Eclipse 2017: Read this before looking at the sun

Animals may be affected by the eclipse, and Director of the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center said it may not be a bad idea to bring pets inside.

>> RELATED: Solar eclipse 2017: How it may affect animals

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