With the total solar eclipse coming up on Monday, families around the DMV are getting ready to see one of our solar system’s most incredible natural wonders. While we’re not going to be directly in the path of totality, the eclipse will certainly be a sight to behold, but one that must be done safely.
If you’re looking at the eclipse, always view the sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Since we won’t be in the path of totality, there is no period where it will be safe to look at the eclipse without protection.
Do not look at the sun through cameras, binoculars or telescopes, particularly if you’re wearing eclipse glasses or another solar filter. The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause immediate, serious eye injury. Putting eclipse glasses over your camera/binocular/telescope lenses will not work, they require a specialized solar filter to safely process the light.
For more safety details, visit NASA’s tips for Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse.
Virginia
- Eclipse Where Sun, Moon and Wonder Align 1:30-4:30 p.m. Bring your approved 2024 solar viewing glasses to Sweet Run State Park in Hillsboro, or call ahead to see if any will be on sale. There will be educational information and hands-on activities.
- Solar Eclipse Viewing at Gateway Park 2-4 p.m. Take your lunch break, stop by Rosslyn on your commute home or bring your friends and family out for music, lawn games and eclipse viewing courtesy of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC). Don’t miss the solar glasses giveaway to view the sun directly (while supplies last).
- Safely See the Partial Eclipse at Historic Huntley 1:30-4:30 p.m. Learn the science and history of eclipses, as well as safe viewing instructions. Price of registrations includes a pair of solar viewing shades. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.
- Safely See the Partial Eclipse at Turner Farm 1:30-4:30 p.m. Head to Great Falls to learn about the science behind eclipses, what causes them and why they are so locally rare. Receive instructions on how to safely view the eclipse and receive a pair of solar viewing shades with the price of registration. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.
- View the Total Solar Eclipse! 3-4 p.m. Join the viewing party on Sherwood Library’s front lawn in Alexandria! Special eclipse-viewing glasses will be available while supplies last. All ages welcome. No registration required
D.C.
- Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall 12–4 p.m. The National Air and Space Museum is hosting an outdoor festival with safe telescope viewing and educational activities from Smithsonian museums and partners.
- Solar Eclipse Party @ Hedy’s Rooftop 2-6 p.m. For a higher vantage point, buy a ticket to view the eclipse from atop Hotel Zena, with food, drinks and an opportunity to make your own solar print design.
- Solar Eclipse Viewing – DC Public Library 2-4:30 p.m. Stop by Parklands-Turner in SE D.C. to grab a pair of glasses and look up to the sky as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun to create a total solar eclipse.
Maryland
- See the Last Total Solar Eclipse (Until 2044) 1:30-5:30 p.m. Join the College Park Aviation Museum to see the last total solar eclipse until 2044! Viewing glasses will be distributed while supplies last. Free with registration.
- Skywatching: Partial Solar Eclipse 2-4:30 p.m.View the 2024 Solar Eclipse (at 90% totality) at Observatory Park in Gaithersburg with hands-on activities and free solar glasses while supplies last. See their website for a bonus Solar Eclipse Activity Guide organized by child’s age/grade.
- Solar Eclipse Viewing at Goddard 12-4 p.m. Eclipse-specific activities will run from 1-3 p.m., including viewings of the sun with safe solar glasses, a Corona constellation art project, a Sunspotter special telescope demonstration and presentations by solar scientists. In case of inclement weather or cloudy skies, NASA’s coverage of the event will be broadcast in the visitor center theater.
- View the Solar Eclipse 2:45-3:45 p.m. At Long Branch Library’s plaza in Silver Spring they will be handing out special glasses so that you can safely view the partial solar eclipse – weather permitting!
