Solar Eclipse Preview

Families and young explorers are invited to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of solar eclipses at the upcoming event hosted by Discovery Center Museum. Set to take place on Saturday, April 8 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, this interactive and educational event promises a day filled with hands-on activities, scientific discovery, and celestial wonder for visitors of all ages.
The event, designed to coincide with the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, offers a unique opportunity for children and families to learn about eclipses in engaging ways while having fun. Highlights of the event include:
Planetarium Shows: Learn about solar eclipses in these new and exciting 15-minute shows. Shows are included with museum admission and will occur every half hour from 10:30 – 3:00 pm.
Solar Oven Adventures: Children can explore the science behind solar cooking by making and enjoying tasty solar-cooked s’mores, learning firsthand about harnessing solar energy for culinary delights.
Thaumotropes and Light-Sound Exploration: Through hands-on experiments with thaumotropes and a special light-sound device, young learners can delve into the fascinating concepts of light, sound, and the unique phenomena associated with solar eclipses.
Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science: Discover how ancient cultures interpreted eclipses and compare their explanations to modern scientific understanding through the use of an engaging audio book will beautiful images will be projected in the theater.
Creative Projects in Makerspace and Art Studio: Unleash creativity with eclipse-themed projects in the museum’s Makerspace and Art Studio, encouraging imagination and innovation in young minds.
Eclipse Glasses Giveaway: As a safety precaution for observing solar events, eclipse glasses will be provided to guests while supplies last, allowing people to safely experience the eclipse and other solar phenomena.
Heidi Holcomb, Manager of Events & Community Partnerships, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “Our goal is to make science accessible and fun for children and families. The solar eclipse event offers a perfect blend of hands-on learning, creativity, and scientific discovery, providing a memorable experience for all participants.”
The event is sponsored in part by the Illinois Arts Council Agnecy. For more information about the event schedule, admission prices, and museum hours, please visit https://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/. For more information about the solar eclipse, to https://science.nasa.gov/…/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/. While the path of totality does go through southern Illinois, Rockford-area residents will experience 91% totality at approximately 2:05 pm Monday, April 8, 2024.