View of a solar eclipse over a mountain range

How to view the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Phoenix

From the Arizona Science Center to the Phoenix Public Library, here’s where you can experience the epic sky show on April 8.

On April 8, a solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Millions of skygazers across the country will be able to witness this incredible celestial spectacle, including all of us here in Phoenix. Although our city isn’t in the path of totality, which stretches from Maine to Texas, a partial eclipse will undoubtedly be in view which means there’s still an opportunity to see this rare event. 

Here in Arizona, the partial eclipse will last for hours as the moon passes across the sun. Experts say the best viewing hours will be from 10:08 a.m. to 1:02 p.m. in Phoenix. But before you look up, put on a pair of eclipse glasses. These spectacles might look funny, but they’re essential to protect your eyes and must be used when viewing the eclipse. 

Arizona Science Center 

The Arizona Science Center is hosting a free Solar Eclipse Viewing Party from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix campus to mark this rare astronomical event. Local experts will be onsite to answer your questions about the partial eclipse, there will be hands-on eclipse-themed activities, solar telescopes to peek through, and free eclipse glasses available to view the event safely. Thinking about becoming a member? The Arizona Science Center will be offering a $64 savings for all new or renewed memberships on April 8 to celebrate the 64 percent partial eclipse coverage we’ll experience in The Valley. 

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Phoenix Public Library 

One of the best places to view the partial solar eclipse in Phoenix is at the library. Join the Phoenix Public Library in the days leading up to the big event for eclipse-related activities like Starry Storytime for kids and solar eclipse crafts for the entire family. And, on April 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. don’t miss the Solar Eclipse Watch Party at South Mountain Community Library where you can learn about eclipses from college faculty and partake in eclipse-themed STEAM activities. The family-friendly eclipse programming and viewing parties are scheduled to take place at various Phoenix Public Library locations across The Valley, from Ironwood Library to Ocotillo. See the full calendar of eclipse events here.

International Dark Sky Discovery Center

The International Dark Sky Discovery Center, located in the designated DarkSky Community of Fountain Hills, is breaking ground and celebrating the partial solar eclipse with an educational all-ages eclipse watch party. The event and watch party will kick off at 10:20 a.m. with a sci-fi soundtrack from a live DJ. There will be a special telescope onsite to get an up-close view of the partial eclipse, and 200 pairs of protective eclipse glasses will be provided to guests so that they can safely view the partial eclipse in all of its celestial glory. When it debuts, The International Dark Sky Discovery Center will serve as a university research lab, STEM education hub, and global tourism destination for fans of all things astronomy. 

Lowell Observatory & Americana Motor Hotel

Hit the road and see the eclipse from the top of Mars Hill. The renowned Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff is hosting the 2024 Great American Eclipse Party from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 8. This ticketed eclipse party is primed to feature educational science talks, appearances by astronomers, and a campus scavenger hunt. Plus, specialized solar telescopes and eclipse glasses will be available around the observatory campus for guests to safely view the eclipse. For even more eclipse-related programming and viewing opportunities in Flagstaff, point your GPS toward the Americana Motor Hotel along historic Route 66 where you can book the Look Up, Stargazer package, which includes two tickets to Lowell Observatory. Additionally, Lowell Observatory has partnered with the vibey astro-meets-retro hotel by providing specialized telescopes, which are available to check out during your stay. 

NASA 

Although Phoenix isn’t in the path of totality this time, there’s a way to experience the magic of the total solar eclipse without traveling across the country. On April 8, NASA experts and scientists will be tracking the total solar eclipse as it crosses North America, Mexico, The United States, and Canada. Catch the path of totality, when the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun, on the NASA livestream. You don’t want to skip this — there won’t be another total solar eclipse visible in the United States until August 2044. Learn more about the total solar eclipse here

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View of a total solar eclipse

How to view the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Dallas

From downtown parties to riverfront views, here’s where to witness nature's grand spectacle safely and stylishly.

Dallas is gearing up for the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, and with good reason: The DFW metro area is entirely in the path of totality for this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event! Experts say the best viewing hours will be from 12:23 p.m. to 3:02 p.m. CDT, with totality starting at about 1:40 p.m. and lasting almost four minutes.

We’ve put together a short list of the coolest viewing parties around town to ensure you enjoy this phenomenon in the best possible way – just remember to prioritize your safety by using proper eye protection to view the eclipse. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to witness nature’s grand spectacle in the skies above Dallas.

Downtown Dallas Solar Eclipse Weekend

Downtown Dallas is gearing up for an unforgettable solar eclipse weekend. Join fellow enthusiasts in the heart of the city as you experience this astronomical event against the backdrop of our iconic skyline. With various festivities planned all weekend long, including a video art night, live music, goat yoga, an arts festival, and viewing parties galore, Downtown Dallas promises a cosmic adventure for all ages. 

Solar Eclipse Party at The Lunar Light: Discovery

The Lunar Light: Discovery team is aware of the fascination that surrounds space exploration. They are organizing a solar eclipse party where attendees can delve into the wonders of the cosmos and witness the total eclipse in Dallas. This immersive experience is set to provide an evening full of astronomical marvels, along with educational and entertaining activities in the shade of the eclipse.

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Solar Eclipse Lunch at Monarch

What could be more exciting than witnessing an exceptional celestial event? Enjoying a delicious meal while doing it. Head to Monarch restaurant and relish a delightful three-course lunch before heading up to the 50th floor to witness an unparalleled view of the sky. Don’t worry; the restaurant will also provide solar eclipse glasses to ensure that you can safely marvel at the breathtaking wonder of this extraordinary event.  

The 2024 Solar Eclipse at the Constellation Club

Experience the solar eclipse in style at the Constellation Club, 26 stories above Las Colinas. For $25, guests gain access to a lunch buffet and special eclipse glasses. Soak in the splendor of the eclipse from this elevated vantage point.

Solar Eclipse at the Trinity

Celebrate the total solar eclipse at this family-friendly event at the Trinity, offering both fun and educational experiences. This event is a unique opportunity to witness a cosmic phenomenon, explained with insights from expert astronomers through a STEAM education lens. The day will be packed with a variety of activities, including contests, music, games, crafts, and STEAM education sessions. To ensure a safe viewing experience, the first 3,000 attendees will receive complimentary solar eclipse glasses.

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View of a Solar Eclipse

How to view the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Atlanta

We've got all the details and the best spots to catch this sun-sational event in our city on April 8, 2024.

We’ve got some good news for those who missed the last total eclipse of 2017: Another solar eclipse is on its way. Although Atlanta isn’t in the path of totality, which stretches from Texas to Maine, a partial solar eclipse is still pretty mind-bending. 

Reminder: A solar eclipse occurs when the moon crosses between the Earth and the sun, completely covering our view of the sun. The path of totality will begin around lunchtime in Texas. It will stretch from Texas northeastward through the Midwest, up to Illinois and Indiana, and then continue northeast until it exits the US in northern Maine. 

Here in Atlanta, experts say the best viewing hours will be from 1:45 p.m. to 3:04 p.m. Several local spots are rallying around this natural phenomenon with fun events and entertainment – just don’t forget to put on official eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. And, for those interested in staying put and letting the experts put in the work, we’ve got live stream recommendations to get you connected to the dark side of the moon.

Fernbank Science Center

Fernbank Science Center is going all in with Eclipse Fest! This family-friendly event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature a host of hands-on activities, planetarium shows, and even food trucks on site. Eclipse glasses will be given away while supplies last (or try making a DIY pinhole camera at home to get a safe view of the sun). Teachers and parents can also make use of their in-depth eclipse poster and resource guide.

Stone Mountain Park

One of the best spots to view the eclipse in Atlanta on April 8th is surely the top of Stone Mountain. Plan to use the (fairly challenging) walk-up trail or ride the Summit Skyride ($25) to see the partial eclipse from 1,686 feet above sea level. Tickets are available at the park, and a limited amount of eclipse viewing glasses will be available for purchase. Visitors will also need a daily or annual parking pass for entry to the park. 

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Solar Eclipse Family MeetUp

Join The Happy Black Parent for an informal outdoor meetup near the Atlanta Beltline entrance at Pittsburgh Yards to enjoy the trail, play on the greenspace of the James Bridges Field, and watch the 2024 solar eclipse. Your ticket will include a pair of solar eclipse glasses and some fun activity sheets to keep the kiddos entertained. Bring a blanket or chairs, and roam around until you find your perfect viewing spot.

Jeni’s Ice Creams

Just in time for the eclipse, Jeni’s is launching a special Punk Stargonaut collection of space-themed, limited-time ice creams including flavors like Cosmic Bloom and Nebula Berry! The collection will be live on Thursday, March 28 at noon on their website and also comes with a special pair of Jeni’s branded eclipse glasses. The galactic flavors will also be available at Jeni’s locations where you can opt to add their new fizzy popping Space Dust candy topping.

Live Streams of the Eclipse

Space.com is well aware that not everyone can get directly into the eclipse’s path, so they’re bringing the best eclipse content to us. They’ll be updating their site with various live feeds (including one with NASA) so you can watch the action unfold from afar.

A fun fact for any eclipse-related conversation: For those looking to experience the eclipse from the sky, after Delta’s first special path-of-totality flight sold out, they added another, which leaves from Dallas-Fort Worth and arrives in Detroit.

If you miss this year’s eclipse, you’d better start planning your trip overseas now as the next total solar eclipse will take place on August 12, 2026, with the path of totality visible to those in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small bit of Portugal. We won’t see another total solar eclipse here in the U.S. until August 23, 2044.

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