On Monday, August 21, a Total Solar Eclipse will arc across the United States, from Oregon to South Carolina. Since the United States is the only land region on Earth that will witness eclipse totality, this event is being called the “Great American Eclipse.” Here in Mystic, we will experience a 67% eclipse, a “crescent Sun” of sorts as only 1/3 of the sun will be visible at one point in the afternoon.
Friday, August 11
Join us in the Treworgy Planetarium for a program all about eclipses in advance of the big event! “Stars Over Mystic: The great American Eclipse” begins at 8:30 p.m., and weather permitting will include some gazing at the outdoor night sky. Cost is $6 (adults) $3 (youths; 15 and younger) for members and $9 (adults) $3 (youths; 15 and younger) for non-members. Call 860.572.5331 to register.
Monday, August 21
Join us for a series of FREE events (with museum admission) to celebrate the total solar eclipse across parts of the country, and the partial solar eclipse that we will see here in Connecticut!
All Day
“Lights Out Across the USA”
Stop by our lobby exhibit in the Treworgy Planetarium, where our interactive screens will display a steady flow throughout the day of images and video clips of the eclipse as it makes its way across the country. Use #eclipse2017 to share your experience with NASA and Mystic Seaport!
Programs
10-10:30 a.m. “What Causes an Eclipse?” (part 1)
Examine a Sun-Earth-Moon model and see how every once in a while, these three objects line up just right!
Planetarium Lobby
11-11:30 a.m. “Summer Stars and the Eclipse”
Experience a twist on our usual 11 a.m. planetarium show, covering the evening sky but also incorporating some eclipse elements. Planetarium Theater
Noon-12:30 p.m. “What Causes an Eclipse?” (part 2)
For a hands-on demonstration of how these events are caused, stop by the lobby and try your hand at causing your own solar eclipse! Planetarium Lobby
1-2 p.m. “Total Eclipse Live!”
Join us to watch a live stream of the total eclipse onto our Planetarium Theater dome. Since Mystic will only receive a partial eclipse, this will allow you to see what it looks like when the Moon blocks out the entire Sun! Planetarium Theater
1:30-4 p.m. “Safe Eclipse Observing”
Drop by the Playscapes anytime during this window to use some of our special viewing equipment to safely observe the partial eclipse here in CT. NOTE: The “maximum” eclipse will occur between 2:30-3 p.m. Playscapes
4-4:30 p.m. “Summer Stars and the Next Eclipse”
Experience a twist on our usual 4 p.m. planetarium show, covering the evening sky but also looking ahead to the NEXT total solar eclipse coming in April of 2024. Planetarium Theater
