The countdown is ON! We are less than 1 week away from the first total solar eclipse in the US in 99 years so we’ve picked fun and educational Family Events CT, MA, RI for Solar Eclipse 2017! A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun creating total darkness during the day. This will occur on Monday, August 21st and will be directly viewable in 14 states from Oregon to South Carolina.
While Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents will see a partial eclipse (approximately 68%), there are plenty of activities to celebrate this fantastic natural phenomenon statewide! Below are a few suggested activities on Monday, August 21st, organized by state!
In Connecticut:
Total Eclipse Celebration! The Connecticut Science Center, Hartford CT: View the solar eclipse at the Connecticut Science Center while enjoying fun, family friendly activities. Connecticut will be spectators to a partial solar eclipse in which the moon will cover part of the sun’s disk. Activities from crafts to live streams along the path of totality to food trucks. DJ Faro from our Camp Spirit Days returns to bring the music and the dance party. Join Vasu Tribe Studio as they take you through a yoga flow in celebration of this celestial event. Seriously, this party is guaranteed to be out of this world. Visit https://ctsciencecenter.org/visit/events/ for more information.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children , Norwalk CT 1-5pm: Celebrating the solar eclipse! The museum is planning a daytime event to view and celebrate the partial eclipse that we will be able to witness at Stepping Stones (weather permitting). The celebration will happen regardless of the weather, affecting only the viewing of the solar eclipse. Visit http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org for more details.
Windsor Public Library, Windsor CT 1:30-4pm.: A variety of activities for the whole family.! At 2:00pm the library will have yoga outside on the Eagle Green for all ages. Throughout the event there will be face painting and lawn games set up . Families are encouraged to bring their own picnic with blankets or lawn. During the event, the library will show the NASA live stream of the path of totality in the big meeting room inside the library.
Because it is harmful to look directly at the sun, the library has 500 pairs of eclipse glasses to give away both before and during the event. Starting on Monday, August 14, people can come into the library and pick up a pair of glasses that they can either bring back with them to the library on August 21 or they can take the glasses to wherever they plan to view the eclipse.
In Massachusetts:
Ecotarium – Museum of Science & Nature: Solar Science Celebration 12-4pm.: Celebrate the 2017 solar eclipse EcoTarium-style! From “Solar Science Discovery” programs and planetarium demonstrations to opportunities to safely view the partial eclipse (weather dependent). Ecotarium will make learning about the science of eclipses interactive and fun. While you are there, grab a snack, meet Star Wars characters from the 501st New England Garrison, and join then for their Peak Partial Eclipse Party during the half hour when the sun is most obscured by the moon!
For the full schedule of events and pricing, please visit http://www.ecotarium.org/events-activities/solar-science-celebration-2017-eclipse
Boston Children’s Museum – Solar Eclipse Viewing 1:30pm-4pm.: Ages 3-5, 6 and up; Meet outside on the boardwalk to celebrate the solar eclipse! Wear a pair of special eclipse-viewing glasses and watch as the moon partially covers the sun. Special glasses provided by #popscope and the American Astronomical Society.
Boston Harbor Island – Spectacle Island. 1:00pm (Ferry leaves at 11:30am): Experience this unique cellestial event on a Boston Harbor Island with special viewing glasses. You must sign up to receive your free glasses. There will be a limited Junior Ranger booklets and badges available for youth 18 and under. The 11:30 am ferry from Long Wharf will arrive at Spectacle Island right on time! It is highly recommended that you purchase tickets for this ferry ahead of time, as they do sell out. Schedules and online ticketing can be found at http://bostonharborcruises.com/harbor-islands/ Walk-ups are available on a limited basis. Please register to ensure your glasses!
Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center, Milton MA. 1pm-4pm.: Safely watch the Solar Eclipse from our rooftop observation deck. Best time will be between 1pm-4pm. Special Viewing Tour Adults-$10 Children-$8. To pre-register please email kgeagan@bluehill.org
In Rhode Island:
Eclipse Viewing Party, East Providence Public Library 1:30pm-4pm: This family friendly event includes free viewing glasses for the first 400 attendees, live music, food trucks, face painting, photo booth, raffles and more! Free admission.
Solar Eclipse at Seagrave Observatory, North Scituate, 1pm. Free admission! Safe solar viewing will be available through standard white-light solar-filtered telescopes as well as hydrogen-alpha bandbass filters. Live-streamed webcasts from locations experiencing totality will be shown in the meeting hall. Solar eclipse viewers will also be available. In the event of cloudy weather, Seagrave will still show live webcasts from total solar eclipse throughout the United States.
Seagrave Observatory has limited parking and it will be first come first served or as people leave we can let another car in. Solar Astronomers will be on hand to answer your questions and there will be Solar images for sale to benefit Skyscrapers, Inc. For more information contact Jeff Padell at jeffpadell@gmail.com or visit http://www.theskyscrapers.org/free-public-observing-at-seagrave-memorial-observatory
Remember to practice safe viewing! It is not safe to view the sun during a partial eclipse without proper eye protection.
- Never look directly at the sun. This can cause permanent eye damage or blindness.
- Do not view through a telescope, binoculars or regular sunglasses.
- Please check with your local library to obtain your free viewing glasses (available while supplies last).
- For more information on safe viewing visit https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/
Treat yourself to some Sun Chips, a Capri Sun or make an Ice Cream Sundae and watch this spectacular event! Happy viewing!
