Mar 21, 2024 · Department of Cultural Affairs

ADVISORY: No totality, no problem - NM Museum of Natural History & Science hosts series of events for April 8 eclipse

Hi Everyone,

For the second time in less than six months, a solar eclipse will be visible overhead in New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment isn’t in the path of totality for the solar eclipse on April 8, so the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) is hosting a series of events designed to help visitors better understand and view the partial eclipse across the state.

What: Starting this evening (Thursday, March 21), the museum’s Space Science educators and scientists will present a series of talks before the moon passes in front of the sun for a solar eclipse on April 8. The eclipse won’t be total in New Mexico, but it will be clearly visible with between 65% and 90% of the sun covered across the state. In the Albuquerque metro area, approximately 70% of the sun will be obscured.

The talks will explain why eclipses happen, what is special about this one, and how to view it safely. You’ll be able to look through a solar telescope (weather permitting) and pick up your own eclipse glasses, viewers, or projectors.

On the day of the eclipse, head to the museum for Solar Eclipse Day, for all sorts of solar viewing opportunities! Monitors will broadcast live coverage of the eclipse from along the path of totality, offering a unique viewpoint of the phenomenon as it unfolds. Other events that day include planetarium presentations about the eclipse, hands-on family-friendly activities inside the museum, and safe viewing of the partial eclipse in the Observatory and through other telescopes. Please note that regularly scheduled shows in the Planetarium at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. will be canceled that day. All events are included with museum and Planetarium admission.

Even though the sun is not fully obscured from New Mexico, there is no point during the eclipse that it is safe to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection.

Where: New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, located at 1801 Mountain Road NW.

When: Talks will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21; Wednesday, March 27; and Monday, April 1. Solar Eclipse Day will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Why: The April 8 eclipse will be the final solar eclipse visible directly over the U.S. until 2045, making this your last best chance for the next two decades to learn about these celestial events and see one for yourself!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in learning more.

Thanks, Stephen

Stephen Hamway stephen.hamway@dca.nm.gov (505) 412-3758

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