Jump to a Section: Activities Learn More about Eclipses Viewing Safety and Eclipse Glasses Events
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and blocks the bright light of the Sun’s surface from view. The shadow of the Moon will fall in a small path on Earth’s surface, called the zone of totality.
When is the next solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth at a close enough distance to completely block the Sun’s light, creating darkness during the day.
Parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are in the path of totality—meaning that the Moon will completely block the Sun. Other places will experience a partial eclipse.
Find your town on the map and see if you’re in the path of totality.
Activities To Do Anywhere
Ages 8 and up
Use several of your senses to experience a solar eclipse.
Must be done during a solar eclipse
Ages 4 and up
You can make unique art with interesting patterns of holes for the sun to shine through.
Ages 8 and up
This model will help you picture just how big and far apart the Earth and Moon are.
Ages 10 and up
Eclipses happen a few times per year, but only when the moon is in the right place to line up with the sun and Earth. Try this demonstration to find out when that happens!
Ages 10 and up
For an eclipse to happen, the Sun, Moon, and Earth have to line up just right! Give it a try using materials you can find around your home.
Ages 4 and up
Learn about the different types of eclipses, and how and where to view them.
Learn More about Eclipses
Do you know these fun facts?
Did you know that one day there will not be any more solar eclipses?
Just in time for the April 2024 solar eclipse, learn the best techniques for viewing the eclipse, the science behind it, and more.
How do you safely view a solar eclipse?
You should get safe solar viewers, or follow one of the alternative methods below for safely viewing the effects of the eclipse.
Staring at the Sun is dangerous for your eyes and cause permanent damage.
Where do I find eclipse glasses or safe solar viewers?
Beginning in late March, the Museum will hand out a limited supply of free solar eclipse glasses.
More information how to claim your free pair of solar eclipse glasses below.
The Smithsonian Store has solar eclipse glasses available for purchase online and in select Museum stores, including stores at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
You can buy safe solar viewers online.
The American Astronomical Society has a list of reputable companies that make eclipse glasses. Please be careful to buy a reputable pair.
Organizations in your community may be giving away glasses.
For instance, many local libraries are giving away glasses. Find out if yours is on the list.
Welding glasses with Shade 14 green filters in good condition are safe to use.
Use eclipse glasses you already have if they are not damaged.
NASA has guidelines to check if your eclipse glasses are in good working condition.
Limited Number of Free Solar Eclipse Glasses Available at the Museum
Beginning in late March, the Museum will hand out limited supplies of free solar eclipse glasses.
Distribution Dates: Monday, March 25 to Sunday, April 7
Distribution Times: 12 to 4 pm (or until that day's allotment of glasses has been fully distributed)
Distribution Allowance: One pair of glasses per family or individual
Distribution Locations: Both locations
On the first floor to the left of the Museum store
(Note: Free timed-entry passes are required to enter the Museum.)
Across from the John F. Plueger Family Welcome Center
(Note: Cars that enter and exit the parking lot within 30 minutes will not be charged a parking fee)
If the free glasses have all been distributed for the day, or additional glasses are desired, the Museum stores have them for sale (three pairs for $6) in person and online.
A limited number of eclipse glasses will also be handed out during the Museum’s Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall on April 8.
Solar eclipse glasses are generously provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- Place the eclipse glasses over your eyes before looking toward the Sun, then look away from the Sun before removing the glasses.
- You will not be able to see anything except the Sun through the eclipse glasses; they are not the same as regular sunglasses.
- Eclipse glasses are only designed to be used over your eyes; do not combine them with a camera, binoculars, or telescope of any kind.
If you don't have eclipse glasses, here are safe ways to experience an eclipse.
Remember never to look directly at the Sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my sunglasses instead of eclipse glasses? No. Looking through sunglasses will not protect your eyes and you could still sustain permanent damage.
Can I look at the eclipse through my camera or phone? No. Your eyes could still be damaged by looking at the sun through a camera’s viewfinder.
How do I know if my eclipse glasses are still good? Inspect your glasses for damage. This NASA video shows you what to check for. Also check the information printed on the glasses.
What if I’m in the path of totality at the moment of totality? This is the only time you can look at the eclipse without glasses. If you’re in the path of totality at the moment of totality the Sun will be completely blocked by the Moon. Because all of the Sun’s light, you can view the eclipse without glasses. However, as soon as the Sun begins to reappear, you’ll need your glasses again. Check the map to see if you’ll be in the path of totality.
Why can't I look directly at a solar eclipse?
The Sun is extremely bright—it’s about 3,820,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times brighter than a 100 Watt lightbulb. The rays from the Sun can be very damaging to human eyes—permanently burning cells on your retina, a part of your eye.
Celebrate with the National Air and Space Museum
Celebrate and observe the solar eclipse that will be visible all across North America on Monday, April 8! The National Air and Space Museum, in collaboration with other Smithsonian museums, NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation, presents an outdoor festival with activities for all ages.
Gather outside the Udvar-Hazy Center to watch the solar eclipse with other excited sky-gazers. The Museum will provide safe solar telescopes and projection viewers to help you watch the Moon slowly block most of the Sun.
Join National Air and Space Museum curator Samantha Thompson as she talks about the experience of a solar eclipse: what happens to the natural environment during totality, how and why people travel to see one, and what we do see when (safely) looking at the Sun.
Come to the Museum or join online for tips on how to view the eclipse in a safe and fun way, activities that describe what happens during an eclipse, and more.
All April, our story time program for young learners is focused on the eclipse. Join us Tuesday at Thursdays at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA and every Tuesday at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Events Across the Country
Not going to be in DC for the eclipse? No problem! Check out these programs at Smithsonian Affiliate organizations across the country.
Don't see an event near you? This map will be frequently updated. Check back often.
Check out an accessible experience of this map.
Please Note: These programs are hosted by Smithsonian Affiliate museums and are not hosted by the National Air and Space Museum.