WHAT: Coolidge Elementary School will celebrate the start of the 2017-18 year with a solar eclipse viewing after a Q&A with astronomer and San Gabriel Unified parent Donald W. Hoard.

For the first time since 1979, a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous U.S. on Aug. 21, providing San Gabriel Unified students with the opportunity to learn about astronomy by experiencing a celestial phenomenon.

WHEN: Monday, August 21, 8:30 to 11:45 a.m.

WHERE: Coolidge Elementary School, 421 N. Mission Drive, San Gabriel

DETAILS: Coolidge Principal William Wong will host a Q&A with Hoard, who will discuss his work with NASA, what astronomy entails and how students can pursue a career in it. Students will also learn what causes an eclipse, what to look for when one occurs and how to view California’s partial eclipse safely.