This page refers to the 2017 total solar eclipse. For information on the latest solar eclipse, please visit our deep dive page. 

Late this summer, a solar eclipse will cross the entire United States, coast to coast. Join us for a day of special programming designed to get you excited about the August 21 eclipse.  At Your Eclipse you can: 

  • Learn about the science of eclipses
  • Make your own safe solar eclipse viewer
  • Plan how you'll observe the eclipse in August
  • Share your experiences of past eclipses
  • Learn how to photograph the eclipse from experienced astrophotographers

The full schedule of the event can be found below. 

Timed Presentations

Eclipsapalooza
A 30-minute interactive journey to learn about Your Eclipse
In Moving Beyond Earth (Gallery 113)
11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Your Eclipse: How Can You Be Ready for the Big Day?
Featuring NASA astronomer Lou Mayo and Museum educators Marty Kelsey and Genevieve de Messieres
In Moving Beyond Earth (Gallery 113)
1:00 pm

 

All Day Activities

Let’s Explore Together

  • Solar Eclipse Science
  • NASA Activities and Information
  • Citizen Science Opportunities, Eclipse History, Other Things in Front of Things, and the next U.S. eclipses (total solar, lunar, and Mercury transits)           
  • Exoplanet Discovery Station
  • Observe the Sun Yourself (weather permitting – Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory)

Observing Safely

  • Safety First!: How to enjoy this wonderful spectacle safely           
  • Projection Eclipse Viewing Technique     
  • Tips on Photographing the Eclipse
  • Solar Viewing Glasses: Get a pair of glasses to safely view the eclipse                      

Where Will YOU Be?

  • Maps: View a map of the Eclipse track in you state
  • Where Will You Be?: Post your location on the National Eclipse Map!
  • Share Your Eclipse Memories
  • Find Your Way to Totality with Google Map and a printer

Eclipse Fun

  • Make Your Own Eclipse Projection Rig
  • Pinhole Partial Eclipse Art
  • Custom Coloring and Shadow Puppets Activity   
  • Flights of Fancy Reading Activities, featuring Swatantar Mann     
  • Eclipse Backdrop Photo Op

This program is made possible through the generous support of Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Spaceflight Astronomy Sun
How to attend

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560