Total Solar Eclipse Day
Experience the Total Solar Eclipse at GRPM on April 8, 2024: A Celestial Phenomenon Sweeping Across North America and the Northern Midwest
Countdown to U.S. Total Solar Eclipse
Join us for the Ultimate Viewing Party!
On April 8, 2024, witness the awe of Total Solar Eclipse Day as it graces North America, journeying from Mexico, cutting through states like Texas, Oklahoma, and reaching 100% coverage in Ohio and Indiana, before continuing through the Northeast and entering Canada. While Grand Rapids won’t experience full coverage, it’s crucial not to view the eclipse directly without special eye protection. To ensure a safe and educational experience, the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium has teamed up with the Wood TV Weather Team. Attendees can immerse themselves in live streams at the Meijer Theater, use solar telescopes on the Blue Bridge, and engage in sun-themed activities organized by community partners. The celestial phenomenon concludes its North American display on Newfoundland’s Atlantic coast at 5:16 p.m. NDT.
Solar Eclipse Day Planetarium Schedule
| Monday, April 8 | |
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11:00 AM |
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12:00 PM |
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1:00 PM |
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2:00 PM |
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3:00 PM |
No Show! Time to see the Eclipse! |
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4:00 PM |
Eclipse Glasses For Sale
Protective eyewear is necessary to view the eclipse safely. The GRPM’s Curiosity Shop has protective eclipse glasses for $1.75 each, available while supplies last. The Curiosity Shop is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the exception of Easter Sunday, March 31.
Transportation and Parking
Bike and Bus
If at all possible, please take a bus ride or ride your bicycle to come see the eclipse with us. We have free, safe, and secure bicycle parking at the Museum bike racks. We’re also located conveniently along the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) route. DASH buses pass every stop every 15 minutes, and it’s FREE!
Parking
Know Before You Go
Check out pictures of our parking ramp, handicapped parking spots, and the Museum entrance before you attend to familiarize yourself with our facilities at our accessibility page. You can also explore accommodations we offer to visitors who are blind or have low vision, visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, visitors with sensory processing needs, and visitors who use mobility devices.
What is a total solar eclipse?
When the Moon aligns perfectly between the Earth and the Sun, it results in a total solar eclipse, obscuring the Sun’s entire face. Those situated within the ‘path of totality,’ where the Moon’s shadow fully engulfs the Sun, will witness the sky taking on the hues of dawn or dusk. If the weather is favorable, observers in this path can also catch a rare glimpse of the Sun’s corona, its outer atmosphere, typically hidden by the Sun’s luminous facade.
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