You’re invited to witness one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena – a solar eclipse! Join us Monday, April 8th. No Registration Required.
You are cordially invited to join us for an unforgettable experience – a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at the Green Bank Observatory on Monday April 8th! As the moon aligns with the sun, casting its shadow over the Earth, we invite you to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon in the company of fellow astronomy enthusiasts!
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s orbit puts the moon directly between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. This only happens during the new moon phase, but we don’t see an eclipse every month because the Moon’s orbital path around the Earth is tilted relative to the Earth’s path around the sun. A perfect alignment between Sun, Moon and Earth is needed for an eclipse.
The relative positions of the Earth and Moon matter a lot when determining whether the eclipse will be a total or partial eclipse. Here in Green Bank, WV we will be able to see a 91% partial eclipse this April. This means only 9% of the Sun’s light will be visible from behind the Moon! After this April’s total solar eclipse, the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. won’t be until 2044
So join us from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM for a day of food, fun, and education!
- Hands-on Activities from 1 PM — 4:30 PM
- Lunch specials and Exhibits in the Science Center All Day!
- SAFE Eclipse Viewing through telescopes and projections. Plus live streaming video of the eclipse provided by NASA from 2 PM – 4:30 PM
Starlight Cafe Specials running all day! Options below are $8 each:
- Two slices of pizza and a drink
- Two hotdogs, chips, and a drink
Important Note: To safely view the eclipse with your eyes you need to use special eclipse glasses. These are super dark – much darker than sunglasses! We will be giving out eclipse glasses to guests on the day of the eclipse starting at 12 noon, while supplies last.
Learn more about the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse:
- The Great American Eclipse
- Will you be able to see the next eclipse? Search for Lunar & Solar Eclipses in your area!
- NASA: Information on the 2024 Solar Eclipse
- Make Your Own Eclipse Demonstrator Template and Instructional Video
Showing up for the event is free so tell your neighbors, pack up the family, and head to 155 Observatory Rd. Green Bank, WV 24944.