Eclipse 2024

On Monday April 8, 2024, millions of people gathered across North America to witness one of nature’s most profound events – and the last total solar eclipse visible from most of the United States until the year 2044.

Whether or not you were able to participate in the 2024 solar eclipse, you do have more chances to experience the wonder and awe of these celestial alignments.  Keep this page bookmarked for information on future solar and lunar eclipses! 

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Image of a total solar eclipse.

By an astounding coincidence, the Moon and the Sun appear nearly the same size in the sky from our perspective on Earth, even though they are vastly different sizes in space. During  a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes in front of the Sun and appears to completely cover the Sun in the sky, for a moment turning day into night for a swath of viewers on Earth and revealing the Sun’s atmosphere — an iconic view and moment that, for many, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Throughout history, eclipses  have inspired wonder, awe, and fear. They've been the source of important scientific breakthroughs and modern knowledge of our laws of physics, and ancient cultures learned to predict the when and where of these celestial events in astonishingly precise ways. When the temperature suddenly drops, the skies go dark, and the stars come out during the day, there is a powerful visceral reaction that even affects animal behavior.

The Museum of Science will be celebrating the science and spectacle of this rare and awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon through programs and experiences developed by the Center for Space Sciences. Join us for onsite, classroom, and digital experiences where you can explore the wonder of eclipses and learn how to experience this one for yourself.

Where and When to See the April 8 Eclipse

To find a location near you where you can observe the total solar eclipse, you can visit NASA’s “2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When” page.

Find a location
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A map of the path of totality for the Arpil 8 2024 solar eclipse.

The line of totality — where viewers can witness the total solar eclipse in its full splendor — will pass through Mexico, more than a dozen US states, and Canada, providing up to four-and-a-half minutes of totality depending on location. Those who are able to travel can experience totality firsthand; however, everyone in the lower 48 states can also enjoy a partial eclipse.

Please note that the Museum of Science will not be hosting any eclipse-watching onsite events on April 8, 2024, as the sightlines from our location are not ideal for viewing.

What Is It Like to Experience a Total Solar Eclipse?

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Listen in as we ask Planetarium educator Talia what it feels like to actually witness the Moon totally blocking the Sun.

Safety first!

How to View the Eclipse Safely

To view an eclipse safely, you must be prepared! The only way to directly view the Sun safely during an eclipse or otherwise is by using special-purpose solar filters like eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. When purchasing eclipse glasses or handheld viewers, ensure that they comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard, and that they come from a reputable supplier.

You can purchase Eclipse Glasses from the Museum Shop!

Never look at the Sun through a camera, telescope, or binoculars without solar filters specifically designed for those tools.
Check out these safety guides from NASA to ensure you use the proper viewing methods.

NASA’s Total Solar Eclipse Safety Guide
NASA’s 2024 Eclipse Safety Sheet - Downloadable PDF

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A retro looking ad for eclipse glasses, available at the Museum shop - both in person and online!

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Eclipse Resources

How to Get Involved

Citizen Science & Hands-On Activities

Interested in getting involved in eclipse science yourself? Here are some resources to check out:

NASA Citizen Science Projects
NASA GLOBE apps
DIY Sun Science app
International Library Telescope Program

Play and Learn

Interactives

Ever wonder exactly what causes solar eclipses? Play around with NASA Eyes on the Solar System – 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, which allows you to see exactly what’s happening out in space during an eclipse! And if you prefer your eclipse resources gamified, you can check out SciGames for more interactive content.

Eclipse in the Classroom

For Educators

Looking for free resources to support your eclipse curricula, after-school programs, or at-home hands-on learning sessions? You can find all kinds of activities, handouts, multimedia, posters, slides, and so much more at these websites:

National Informal STEM Education Network
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
NASA GLOBE program for educators

Check with your local NASA Solar System Ambassadors for educational eclipse events near you!

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Multilingual Eclipse Resources

For eclipse resources available in additional languages, you can check out the following websites:

Visit the Multilingual NASA Eclipse Page for eclipse vocabulary and explanations in Español, 中文, Français.

Recursos en español para aprender más sobre los eclipses solares

El 8 de abril de 2024, un eclipse solar total será visible en Norteamérica. Aprenda sobre los eclipses solares y prepárese para observar de forma segura este fenómeno tan increíble.

Cómo observar el Sol de forma segura
Prepárate para observar un eclipse solar
Actividades y recursos acerca de los eclipses solares
Cómo observar un eclipse solar
Eclipses para niños
La trayectoria de la totalidad del eclipse solar de 8 abril 2024
Guía de observación del eclipse solar de 2024
Información y una transmisión en vivo del eclipse solar de 2024
Eclipses solares para el aula