Eclipse 2024

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.