Eclipsing history:Long-time amateur astronomer Peter Kern presents a slide lecture, “The Solar Eclipse in History,” 1 p.m. July 8, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown. A solar eclipse will cross the United States Aug. 21. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s path causes the moon to cover the sun. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible from the contiguous United States was in 1979. Kern will show images of the total solar eclipse of February 1979. Everyone in North America, as well as some other parts of the world, is expected to see at least a partial solar eclipse, with at least part of the sun being covered by the moon. In the path of totality, about 70 miles wide, the sun will be completely obliterated from sight. This is referred to as a total solar eclipse and will be visible in parts of 14 states. Kern has 40 years of experience as an avid amateur astronomer. He has thousands of hours observing the night sky. Information: lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org; 610-435-1074.

The “Hound”’s afoot:Three actors portray 16 roles in “Brit-Wits” Steven Canny and John Nicholson’s comedic retelling of a classic Sherlock Holmes story, “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” through July 16, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF), Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley. Jim Helsinger, artistic director at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, returns to PSF to direct the “comedy atlas using slapstick, witty wordplay, disappearing pants, and physical comedy.” Greg Wood, above left, a Festival favorite, plays Sherlock Holmes, who attempts to solve the mystery of a curse linked to the Baskerville fortune. His loyal counterpart, Watson, is played by Carl N. Wallnau, above right. Baskerville heir Sir Henry is played by Jacob Dresch. “It’s very similar to PSF’s 2013 production of ‘The 39 Steps,’” says Helsinger. “We are taking a famous piece of literature, keeping to the original story, and then spoofing it at the same time. And that’s what’s really fun.” Tickets: pashakespeare.org, 610-282-WILL (9455)

“Ice,” ice, baby:Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s “The Ice Princess,” a new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” ideal for children ages 3 to 12, continues through Aug. 5, Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley. The Ice Princess, played by Stephanie Hodge (top center), goes on a quest to meet the Snow Queen with her zany forest friends (from left: Keri Ann Moynihan, Julianne Schaub, Michael Covel). “This adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Snow Queen’ truly has its roots in the power of theater to transport an audience and engage their imagination,” says director Pirronne Yousefzadeh. Children can have a front row seat with onstage carpet seating and meet the actors after performances for photos and autographs. There’s a relaxed performance, 10 a.m. June 10, and a sign-interpreted and audio-described performance, 10 a.m. July 29. Tickets: pashakespeare.org, 610-282-WILL (9455)