Friday, March 8, 2024
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is poised to be a central hub for insights, educational activities, and experiences concerning the total solar eclipse on April 8. It will be a significant period as the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States won’t occur for another two decades.
In preparation for the eclipse, the museum plans to distribute eclipse glasses to the public, organize viewing events, and offer eclipse-related resources nationwide for educators and caregivers.
Eclipse Glasses Distribution
Starting in late March, the museum will distribute solar eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-served basis at its Washington, D.C. location and its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Additional glasses distribution will occur on the National Mall on April 8, thanks to contributions from NOAA, NSF, and NASA. Details on obtaining these glasses will be available on the museum’s website starting March 15.
Eclipse-Viewing Celebrations
A highlight event, the “Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall” in Washington, D.C., will take place on April 8 from noon to 4 p.m. This festival, a collaborative effort with Smithsonian institutions, NASA, NOAA, NSF, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, will offer a variety of activities and safe sun-viewing through telescopes. A limited quantity of eclipse glasses will be on hand for attendees, courtesy of Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons.
Moreover, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will facilitate eclipse viewing via safe solar telescopes from 2 to 4 p.m. A comprehensive map of eclipse-viewing events hosted by Smithsonian Affiliates across the U.S. is available for those outside the Washington, D.C. area.
Additional Eclipse-Related Activities
On April 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum in Washington, D.C. will organize a family day titled “Get Ready for the Solar Eclipse,” supported by Northrop Grumman. The museum’s “Flights of Fancy Story Time” series in April will feature eclipse-themed stories and activities, thanks to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
An engaging presentation, “What We Do in the Shadow: The Total Solar Eclipse Experience,” will be held at the Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Neighborhood Library in Washington on March 26 at 6 p.m.
Virtual Eclipse Resources
The museum’s website hosts a wealth of educational materials for teaching about eclipses, including activities, videos, and lesson plans, supported by various foundations. An eclipse-themed episode of the “AirSpace” podcast will be released on March 13, with an eclipse-focused “STEM in 30” episode for middle schoolers coming out on March 25, supported by Boeing, Hexcel, and Safran.
Additionally, the museum offers limited-edition solar eclipse merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and mugs, for those wishing to commemorate the event.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
