In case you haven't heard, there will be a total solar eclipse visible from the US on April 8, 2024, and it's set to be one of the astronomical events of the year.
Parts of 15 US states will experience totality on Monday April 8, and although all you need to do is go outside – preferably under a clear sky – public events can be a great way to experience a solar eclipse.
As well as activities for kids and perhaps the chance to listen to astronomers and use solar telescopes, a large event will give you the chance to share totality with a large community of like-minded eclipse-chasers.
Here are some of the best eclipse events taking place in the US on April 8 2024, from astronomy-themed festivals and star parties to animal sanctuaries and special train trips.
For more advice, read our guide on how to safely view a solar eclipse
April 8 eclipse events
Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory
- Location: Tupper Lake, New York
- Totality duration: 3 minutes and 33 seconds
One of very few observatories within the path of totality, this free observing event will include solar telescopes, an 18-foot TV showing NASA TV’s live feed and lots of family-friendly activities.
More info: Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory
Atlas Obscura Ecliptic Festival 2024 (5-8 April)
- Location: Cedar Glades Park, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Totality duration: 3 minutes 46 seconds
Curated by adventure travel specialists Atlas Obscura, this festival will feature music and science, with confirmed speakers including Rebecca Boyle, author of ‘Our Moon’, and physicist Dr. Kelly Reidy.
More info: Atlas Obscura Ecliptic Festival 2024
Texas Total Solar Eclipse & Star Party (5-9 April)
- Location: Latham Springs Camp and Retreat Center, Aquilla, Texas
- Totality duration: 4 minutes and 24 seconds
How about four nights of stargazing with your eclipse? This star party includes accommodation, meals, guest speakers and sky tours with telescopes.
More info: Texas Total Solar Eclipse & Star Party
Great North American Eclipse (6-8 April)
- Location: Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Wapakoneta, Ohio
- Totality duration: 3 minutes 57 seconds
This aviation museum in the hometown of Neil Armstrong – the first man to walk on the Moon during 1969’s Apollo 11 mission – will host an observing event.
More info: Great North American Eclipse
Eclipse With The Elephants
- Location: Endangered Ark Foundation, Hugo, Oklahoma
- Totality duration: 3 minutes 23 seconds
If you want to see how wildlife reacts to the eclipse, what better way to spend totality with a herd of Asian elephants at this private non-profit in southeast Oklahoma. Camping and RV sites available.
More info: Eclipse With The Elephants
The Eclipse Train
- Location: Utica-Old Forge, New York
- Totality duration: 2 minutes 50 seconds
Taking public transport to the eclipse is easiest in the northeast part of the path of totality, but this train couldn’t be easier. The 5.5 hour return journey travels into the path of totality to observe at Old Forge.
More info: The Eclipse Train
Eclipse Over Texas
- Location: McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas
- Totality duration: 4 minutes 13 seconds
This public event will involve speakers and safe telescope viewing of the Sun along with guided narration, with an emphasis on safety. It’s being staged by Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered.
More info: Eclipse Over Texas
Kerrville Eclipse Festival
- Location: Louise Hays Park, Kerrville, Texas
- Totality duration: 4 minutes and 25 seconds
NASA TV will be broadcasting the April 8 eclipse to the world from an event that will also include scientific speakers, live music and children's programming.
More info: Kerrville Eclipse Festival
Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival
- Location: Saluki Stadium, Carbondale, Illinois
- Totality duration: 4 minutes 9 seconds
Held in Carbondale for the second time in seven years (the same city experienced totality at the last total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017), SIU Carbondale’s Saluki Stadium will host NASA and speakers from Adler Planetarium of Chicago for guided eclipse viewing during the event.
More info: Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival
Total Eclipse Fest 2024 (6-8 April)
- Location: Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland
- Totality duration: 3 minutes 50 seconds
NASA TV will be broadcasting from Cleveland – home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center – where 30,000 are expected at the Great Lakes Science Center.
More info: Total Eclipse Fest 2024
Where will you be during the April 8 eclipse? Are you attending or organising an event? Let us know by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
