While Little Compton and Tiverton are only in the 90 percent viewing range for the partial solar eclipse this coming Monday, April 8, astronomers such as Francine Jackson say this is still a mighty big deal — especially since it will be the last solar eclipse in the United States until 2045.

Jackson, a staff astronomer at the Ladd Observatory at Brown University, recently spoke about the eclipse at the Brownell Library in Little Compton and at the Tiverton Public Library.

The eclipse will be visible from 2:14 p.m. to 4:39 p.m., with maximum coverage around 3:30 p.m. Jackson said that locally, 90 percent of the sun will be blocked by the moon at its height.

“Even if you can’t go where the path of totality is [west of us, where the full eclipse can be viewed] that’s not bad,” she said.

She cautioned that it is not safe to look directly at the sun without eye protection. Certified eclipse glasses — for example, those labeled with an ISO number — are necessities to avoid damage to the eyes. They can be acquired online and at some area retailers.

Want to join with others as the celestial wonder occurs over our area? Consider:

• The Great Eclipse Get-Together: Tiverton Public Library, 34 Roosevelt Ave. There will be a drop-in between 1 and 4 p.m., and all ages welcome. The partial eclipse will start at 2:14 p.m. and end at 4:39 p.m. The official NASA broadcast will be on the big screen for safe sun viewing. Note that the library does not have enough glasses for everyone who attends, but will have glasses and pinhole projectors on hand that attendees can share.

• Eclipse Viewing Event: Brownell Library, 44 Commons St., Little Compton, runs from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Stop by at any time and join library staff watch the progress of the eclipse. Maximum coverage is around 3:30 p.m. Eclipse glasses (while supplies last) will be available. There will be activities planned for all ages.