Take in the solar eclipse at these events
A rare solar eclipse will be a celestial treat for southeast Michiganians Tuesday as the moon aligns directly between the Earth and sun to completely block out sunlight.
While total solar eclipses occur about once every year and a half, what makes this experience so out of this world is that southeast Michigan is adjacent to the path of totality — which spans from Texas to Maine in the United States — with some parts of the region experiencing more than a 99% partial solar eclipse.
That means — clear skies permitting — southeast Michiganians will experience a progressive dimming of the sky in the middle of the afternoon beginning at 1:58 p.m. with near total darkness expected at 3:14 p.m.
“It is going to be a stunning event to watch progressively, over the course of a few hours, a big bite being taken out of the sun,” said Michael Narlock, the Cranbrook Institute of Science’s head astronomer. “That’s not something that happens that you see every day. It will be a unique experience for a lot of people.”
This is a significant increase from 2017’s partial solar eclipse, which reached 80% totality in southeast Michigan. It is also different from an annular solar eclipse — which the region experienced in October — where the moon aligns itself between the Earth and sun but without completely blocking out the light, leaving a “Ring of Fire.”
The next time Michigan is expected to be this close to the path of totality for a solar eclipse is in 2099, making this year’s eclipse a once-in-a-lifetime event for many.
To mark the occasion, science museums, libraries, parks and other organizations throughout the region are hosting events that pair a communal viewing experience with hands-on activities and learning.
The Michigan Science Center is partnering with the Ford House for a family-friendly afternoon on the grounds of the historic Grosse Pointe mansion. Michigan Science Center educators will be on hand to explain the science behind the eclipse, and kids can participate in a variety of hands-on activities, like making their own pinhole projectors.
Ann Arbor’s Leslie Science and Nature Center is pairing eclipse viewing with nocturnal animals. Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close with animals like owls, bats, snakes, salamanders, scorpions and tarantulas, who would otherwise be sleeping midday.
Hannah Miller, the Center’s program manager, said the darkening sky can trick their sleep schedules into thinking it’s the middle of the night.
“They will probably still be a little sleepy, because their circadian rhythms don’t get totally thrown off with the eclipse,” she said, “but because it will be darker, they might be a little bit more comfortable being more active than they would typically be at that time of day.”
The event will also include an inflatable StarLab planetarium and hands-on activities.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DRC), Huron-Clinton Metroparks and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) are hosting a watch party at the Detroit International Riverfront’s Cullen Plaza.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view the eclipse through a solar telescope from Huron-Clinton Metroparks and take part in an educational “Planet Walk” up the hill at Milliken State Park with the OAC.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to not only experience the space but also learn from different organizations as well…” said DRC Program Manager Renee Rodriguez. “These are all experts and people who will be able to make sure it’s a safe viewing, so nobody hurts their eyes or anything like that.”
The Cranbrook Institute of Science’s observatory will have its telescopes available for eclipse viewing, as well as a variety of astronomy-themed experiments, games and crafts inside the museum. Visitors will also be able to visit the institute’s limited-time Galileo exhibit to learn about the work of the groundbreaking astronomer.
Although southeast Michigan is close to the path of totality, Narlock said that a 1% or 2% difference in visibility is huge, and those who are able should head to Ohio.
“It’s going to be beautiful,” he said. “There are planets that are going to become readily visible. The birds will stop chirping. The whole rhythm of the day just gets interrupted, because all of the sudden it feels like it’s night. That’s not something we’re going to experience (in Michigan).”
Toledo has a range of viewing events available for those willing to trek an hour south.
The University of Toledo is having one of the city’s largest eclipse viewing events, taking place at its Glass Bowl football stadium and the campus’s central Centennial Mall. The stadium will project the view from its telescope as well as periodic cuts to NASA’s feed on its screens and feature live narration from university scientists and educational videos.
Centennial Mall will have a more family-friendly atmosphere with games, inflatables, hands-on activities, telescopes and programming from student organizations.
Scott Molitor, Ph.D., the university’s interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said the communal experience of witnessing a solar eclipse goes beyond science.
“Eclipses go back in our history as very spiritual-type events that could incite panic or could incite reverence from those above,” he said. “I think having a group of people together, witnessing it together, is kind of something special.”
The Imagination Station science museum will have a free, day-long viewing party with games, music, activities and eclipse educators, plus food and beer trucks.
The Toledo Zoo is hosting “Total Eclipse of the Zoo” where visitors can take part in animal observations to research how animal behaviors may change during the eclipse. The zoo will also have character meet and greets, a bounce house, music and other activities throughout the day.
Metroparks Toledo will host a “Great Eclipse Campout” with viewing parties at Glass City Metropark, Blue Creek, the Beach Ridge Area and a range of camping options.
J&M Cruise Lines will also offer a special eclipse cruise for those who would like to experience the eclipse on the water. Toledo City Parks and select city neighborhoods will also host viewing parties.
Whether in southeast Michigan or Ohio, Narlock said witnessing the solar eclipse is a special experience, made even better in a communal setting.
“It’s sort of a unifying thing, and it gets people talking about science, it gets people talking about shared experiences,” he said, “Those things, I think, are what make these types of celestial events so important and so interesting.”
Registration for many events are now closed, but here are several spots where you can still check out the eclipse:
Sunday, April 7
Solar Eclipse Celebration
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is offering astronomy lessons via activity tables to help everyone get ready for the first total solar eclipse since 2017. 200 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor. (734) 995-5439. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free
Monday, April 8
Solar Eclipse Watch Party, hosted by Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Outdoor Adventure Center and Huron Clinton Metroparks
From 2-4 p.m., view the solar eclipse at 99% totality at Cullen Plaza in Detroit. The eclipse will come into view at 1:58 p.m. and reach 99% totality at 3:14 p.m., said the Conservancy on its website. Attendees will get a free pair of viewing glasses while supplies last and themed snacks such as Sun Chips and Moon Pies. A large telescope will be on hand for viewing with staff from the Huron Clinton Metroparks. You’ll be able to view a demo of the solar eclipse and go on a planet walk with staff from the Outdoor Adventure Center. 2-4 p.m., Cullen Plaza, 1340 Atwater St. Pre-registration is required at eventbrite.com.
Michigan Science Center and Ford House Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Ford House and the Michigan Science Center have joined forces to host an “awe-inspiring spectacle of the solar eclipse” at the Ford House from noon-4:30 p.m., rain or shine. Family friendly events include arts and crafts and a build a moon base camp. Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for children 12 and younger. The price includes a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Want a fuller experience? An exclusive VIP package is available, which includes admission, a pair of solar eclipse sunglasses, a special gift from the Michigan Science Center, two wine glasses, a bottle of Heron Hill’s Eclipse wine, and light bites for two guests. All of this is available for just $50 for members of Michigan Science Center and Ford House and $60 for non-members. Friends of Ford House and Michigan Science Center members may secure general admission tickets at no cost and will receive a discount on the VIP package. 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. (313) 884-4222. Visit fordhouse.org for tickets.
Detroit Public Library viewings
View the (Almost) total Solar Eclipse
At the Detroit Public Library’s Knapp location, about 90% of the total solar eclipse will be seen, if the weather cooperates, says the library’s website. Eclipse glasses and a telescope will be on hand, along with a live stream from NASA of the event if the sky isn’t clear. No registration required. 1:30-4:30 p.m., 13330 Conant. (313) 481-1770.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
From 3-5 p.m. at Detroit Public Library’s Sherwood Forest branch, visitors can watch NASA’s live broadcast or watch outside using free eclipse glasses. There will also be crafts to help celebrate. 7117 W. Seven Mile. Free
Solar Eclipse Viewing & Make-It Take It Solar System Craft
The Jefferson Branch will host a viewing from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Glasses will be provided. 12350 Outer Drive East, Detroit. Free
Solar Eclipse Fun Day
The Main Detroit Public Library will host its event from noon- 5 p.m, with eclipse glasses available and make and take activities for children. 5201 Woodward. Free.
Ypsilanti District Library events
Eclipse Viewing Party — Superior and Whittaker branches
Head to the Superior and Whittaker branches for viewing parties that include eclipse glasses, 2:30-3:30 p.m. The Superior branch is at 1900 Harris Road, Superior Township, and the Whittaker branch is at 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti Township. Free.
Ann Arbor
Leslie Science & Nature Center
The center is celebrating the solar eclipse 1:30-4:30 in it StarLab, where visitors can see nocturnal life, play with activity tables and watch the eclipse with viewing glasses that are included with the purchase of a $5 ticket. To register, visit purchase.unityinlearning.org.
Macomb County
Solar Eclipse Viewing at all Warren Library branches
From 2-4 p.m., view the solar eclipse and enjoy crafts for children. A limit of two pairs of glasses per library card holder will be available while supplies last. Registration required at the Civic Center Library, Burnette Library Branch and Busch Branch Library.
Toledo
Total Eclipse at the Zoo
The Toledo Zoo is hosting this event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with several activities for all ages that include music, a bounce house, animal demonstrations, character meet and greets and more. A sensory-friendly area will be available in the ProMedica Museum of Natural History. For more information, visit toledozoo.org/events/total-eclipse.
Imagination Station Viewing Party
Join Imagination Station in Festival Park from 10-6 p.m. for an outdoor celebration as people countdown to totality — happening at 3:12 pm. Food and beer trucks, games and hands-on science activities will be available. 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, (419) 244-2674. Visit www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/solar-eclipse-2024/solar-eclipse-viewing-party
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Solar Eclipse Viewing Cruise
Windsor Premier Cruises is offering a 21/2 hour cruise from 1:30-4 p.m., which departs from Amherstburg Navy Park. The cruise will sail out to the west end of Lake Erie to witness the eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be provided and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets: $54.99 Canadian, adults; $29.99 Canadian, children. Visit windsorpremiercruises.com/river-cruises/solar-eclipse-viewing-cruise.