Museum Offers Free Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses

Witness the solar eclipse at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Monday, April 8, 2024, with indoor and outdoor options available. A live feed from NASA and viewing assistance will be offered to help visitors understand and celebrate the much-anticipated solar eclipse. The program is free.

Visitors can view the solar eclipse in totality as a live feed in the museum's Mary Jane Stryker Theater from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Guests who prefer to be outside may join the crowd just behind the museum from 1:45 - 4:30 p.m. to safely observe the phenomenon (weather permitting). Museum staff and volunteers will be assisting with both direct and indirect viewing methods. Free solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided for the first 2,500 people.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the sun and Earth, causing its shadow to fall on the Earth. In Kalamazoo, approximately 96% of the sun's illumination will be obscured at the eclipse's zenith, anticipated around 3:10 p.m. EST. Those residing within a narrow band stretching from Mexico to Canada will be treated to a total solar eclipse, allowing the sky to darken enough to see bright planets and stars.

In the weeks leading up to the solar eclipse, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will offer educational activities and safety information. The Adult Discovery Series & Retro Café on Tuesday, March 12 explores the upcoming solar eclipse with fun space science demonstrations. It starts at 2 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Register in advance.

Also, planetarium shows with a sun and moon theme are planned during the months of March and April. The lineup includes "Earth, Moon & Sun" and "Secrets of the Sun" at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, on Fridays and Saturdays. "The Magic Treehouse: Space Mission" and "The Sky Above Us" will be shown at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, on Sundays. Cost is $3 per person.

Those opting to view the solar eclipse at a location of their choosing are invited to pick up a free pair of solar eclipse glasses from the museum's front desk beginning March 1, while supplies last.

It is important to note that looking directly at the sun can seriously damage your eyes. For your protection, use solar eclipse viewing glasses or a viewing device. For instructions for creating your own pinhole projector or more programming information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.