ECLIPSE
About
Eclipses are coming…
Are you ready to get eclipsed?
Explore the nature of eclipses and get prepared to safely observe the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The total solar eclipse in April 2024 will be the last total solar eclipse visible in the United States until 2045. Learn what to expect from these awe-inspiring events and make sure you can safely get eclipsed!
Each ticket includes a pair of solar glasses for safe solar viewing.
Average Show Length: 45 minutes (Live Performance)
CLOSED
Show Overview:
ECLIPSE, the McDonnell Planetarium’s newest live Star Show, prepares audiences to experience the upcoming solar eclipses visible in the United States on April 8, 2024.
Eclipses are awe-inspiring events that involve the two largest objects in our sky – the Sun and Moon. Beyond simply being beautiful to witness, eclipses have enabled many scientific discoveries throughout history. Early observations of eclipses lead to humanity’s understanding of the Earth/Moon/Sun system, and more recent eclipses allowed for the discovery of helium, provided evidence for Einstein’s theory of general relativity, and more.
This show explores the motion of the Sun and Moon in our sky to guide our understanding of solar and lunar eclipses. Learn how to safely view the annular solar eclipse and prepare for witnessing the last total solar eclipse in the United States until 2045 on April 8, 2024.
Each ticket to ECLIPSE, includes a pair of solar glasses to safely view these upcoming solar eclipses on your own. Solar glasses become difficult to find close to eclipses, so get yours today!
Solar SUNdays at the McDonnell Planetarium
Observe the Sun safely each Sunday from 11:00AM – 3:00PM outside the McDonnell Planetarium (weather permitting).
In partnership with the St. Louis Astronomical Society, a variety of solar viewing equipment will be available for guests to safely observe solar phenomena like sunspots, solar prominences, granulation, and more. Trained staff and volunteers will be available to guide understanding and appreciation of our star.
Solar SUNdays solar telescope viewing is weather dependent. Clouds, rain, or other poor viewing conditions will lead to the event being canceled.
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ECLIPSE Show Pricing
This is a paid experience. |
Price
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| Members | FREE* |
| Adults (ages 13-59) | $7 |
| Children (ages 2-12) | $6 |
| Seniors (ages 60+) | $6 |
| Military | $5 |
Groups (10 or more): $6 for school groups, $6 for all other groups
Watch it with us!
Can’t make it to totality? Can’t make it to the Saint Louis Science Center? Is it cloudy? Watch the eclipse as it happens with NASA TV! The total solar eclipse will move across North America on April 8, 2024, traveling through Mexico, across the United States from Texas to Maine, and out across Canada’s Atlantic coast. Watch the 2024 eclipse through the eyes of NASA, the official broadcast!
From 12 to 3 p.m. CDT (1700 to 2000 UTC) on April 8, NASA will share conversations with experts and provide telescope views of the eclipse from several sites along the eclipse path.
2024 Eclipse Passport
On April 8, 2024 the last total solar eclipse visible in the United States for over 21 years will pass south of St. Louis over southern Missouri and Illinois.
Use your passport to learn some quick facts, myths, and historic events connected to eclipses, to uncover why this event is so important.
Pick up safety tips for safe solar observation.
Become a citizen scientist by documenting your firsthand experiences during the eclipse.
Download your 2024 Eclipse Passport and assemble it at home for this special astronomical event!
Location
The Planetarium Entrance in Forest Park is now open!
Star Shows take place in the Star Bay, the 2nd floor, of the Planetarium. Access is available through the stairs or elevator from the main Planetarium lobby.
Due to the dark nature of the planetarium, late admittance or reentry is not permitted. Please arrive on time for your Star Show.
Membership
Members stargaze for free.
Love the Planetarium? Become a Science Center member and watch star shows for free with every visit, as well as get a full year of additional members-only benefits.
Plus, members help support the Science Center and our mission to make science learning open to everyone.
Accessibility
Elevators and ramps serve all public areas of the McDonnell Planetarium.
Planetarium Star Shows rely heavily on live, spoken narration. Sign language interpreters or Communication Access Realtime Transcription (CART) can be provided with advanced notice. Please contact the reservations department to request accommodation prior to scheduling your visit.
We also offer hearing assist devices for Planetarium Star Shows. When ordering tickets, please let your reservationist know you are interested in a hearing assist device, or speak with a Planetarium team member before your program begins.
