Celebrate and observe the solar eclipse that will be visible all across North America on Monday, April 8! The National Air and Space Museum, in collaboration with other Smithsonian museums, NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory presents an outdoor festival with activities for all ages.
The 2024 Great American Solar Eclipse has Virginians buzzing about how to watch the historic event, and while Virginia and the District of Columbia are outside the path of totality, the April 8 eclipse won’t be a complete bust.
So it’s time to order protective eyewear to watch the eclipse safely, and pick a viewing spot. View the sun in a variety of safe telescopes, and explore the different educational offerings from Smithsonian museums and partners.
The event will run from 12 to 4 pm along the National Mall between 4th and 12th Streets. Browse the many activity stations to view the Sun in a variety of safe telescopes, and explore the different educational offerings from Smithsonian museums and partners. A list of partners and detailed map of activities will be released prior to the festival.
The eclipse will be visible in the Washington, DC area between 2:04 pm and 4:32 pm. Maximum eclipse will be at 3:20 pm, with the Sun 89% covered by the Moon.
This is an outdoor event. In the case of extreme weather, check this page for updates.
About Eclipse Glasses
Event attendees are encouraged to bring their own solar eclipse viewers to the Festival.
A limited number of solar eclipse glasses will be handed out during the event.