credit: Luc Viatour
Durham’s Museum of Life and Science is presenting two solar eclipse viewing events on August 21st. Both offer hands-on activities, and a chance to learn more about the eclipse. One of the events, which takes place at the museum, is free with museum admission and includes the chance to watch a live stream. The other is free to the public and takes place at Black Wall Street Plaza.
Safe solar eclipse viewing glasses are in short supply and may not be available at these events.
Science of the Eclipse
Monday, August 21st, 2017
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Museum of Life and Science, 433 West Murray Avenue, Durham
Free with regular admission
Join us at the museum on Monday, August 21 to safely view the partial solar eclipse using solarscopes and participate in a day of hands-on activities!
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in between the sun and the earth, casting a small shadow on Earth’s surface. The Museum will see a partial eclipse, meaning that at its peak at 2:44pm, about 93% of the Sun will be covered by the moon.
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
9:30am – 4:00pm Explore the science behind an eclipse with hands-on activities and crafts for all ages. Our resident astronomer will be answering all of your space questions.
Discover the celestial mechanics of a solar eclipse as you simulate how the Earth, Moon, and Sun move in space.
Explore the BIG cosmic coincidence of a solar eclipse as we relate size and distance in space.
Learn about sunlight & test different materials to see how well they protect us from the Sun’s harmful UV rays
Make your own UV bead bracelets
Create a pinhole viewer; a safe way to view the eclipse on your own!
2:43pm – 2:45pm Watch the maximum partial eclipse
Three options for viewing!
View as a group through shared eclipse glasses and two solarscopes on the Magic Wings Butterfly House plaza. Easy and safe to use, solar scopes project large image of the sun onto a white screen using a series of mirrors and lenses. This is a great option for viewing the eclipse together as a family!
Enjoy live streams from across the country from the comfort of the Lab; a great way to catch all the action if it is rainy or overcast in Durham.
Guests are welcome to watch the eclipse on their own from anywhere on campus with proper eye protection, such as personal eclipse glasses. The Museum will not have eclipse glasses available for purchase.
In The Lab
10:30am – 4:30pm Participate in space themed citizen science projects and watch a livestream of the total eclipse! Continue the fun at home with a take home resource list of even more citizen science projects to enjoy.
Science of the Eclipse—Downtown Eclipse Viewing Party
Monday, August 21st, 2017
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Black Wall Street Plaza (Corner of W. Main St. and N. Mangum St., Downtown Durham
Free
Join us at Black Wall Street Plaza (Corner of W. Main St. and N. Mangum St., Downtown Durham) Monday, August 21 to safely view the partial solar eclipse using solarscopes and participate in a day of hands-on activities!
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in between the sun and the earth, casting a small shadow on Earth’s surface. The Museum will see a partial eclipse, meaning that at its peak at 2:44pm, about 93% of the sun will be covered by the moon.
Take a break from your afternoon—it’s for science! Join us on August 21, 2017 to rock this celestial event safely and with hands-on activities. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a rare natural spectacle.
ACTIVITIES
Volunteer-facilitated activities
Solar eclipse glasses*
Safe solar viewers
Snacks provided by Luna Rotisserie around eclipse time*
Create a pinhole viewer; a safe way to view the eclipse on your own!
