On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States for the first time since 1979. In Chicago, at 11:54 am CST, the Moon will start to block our view of the Sun, covering up to 87 percent of it by 1:19 pm. The last time Chicago was this close to the path of totality (when the Moon blocks the Sun completely) was 92 years ago in 1925! In celebration, the Adler Planetarium is throwing a giant block party, inviting everyone to come together to experience this rare celestial event as a community, and making it possible by offering free general admission to all.
From 9:30 am–6:00 pm, the Adler is hosting Chicago’s Eclipse Fest—the celebration of the summer—on the Adler grounds and in the parking lot adjacent to the planetarium. All guests will get #EquippedToEclipse with free safe solar viewing glasses, and can enjoy live entertainment, hands-on science for all ages, programming from partners across the city, local food trucks, and experience the solar eclipse with us and 10,000 of their Chicagoland neighbors and friends.
Inside the museum, guests will receive free general admission to check out our exhibitions, including our latest, Chasing Eclipses, which prepares you to experience an eclipse. Guests will also be treated to a live-feed of the total solar eclipse from locations that are in the path of totality in one of our immersive dome theaters.
Chicago Eclipse Fest experience includes:
- A Mad Science Show live on stage
- Entertainment by Jim & the Povolos
- Ask an Astronomer!
- Eclipse Trivia
- Design challenges including solar car races, making solar ovens, and creating pinhole projectors
- Solar science demonstrations including UV beads, a sundial station, and sun prints
- Fun for our littlest guests including bubbles, sensory activities, and light and shadow activities
- Carnival fun including giant Jenga®, a jumbo bounce house, gladiator obstacle course, giant parachute, jumbo ladder toss, bean bag toss, and a sandbag game
- Collections Corner (inside the museum)
- Rocket fun
- Telescope viewing
- A selfie station
- More to be announced!
When
9:30 - 6pm on August 21, 2017
Photos
All Photos Courtesy of the Adler Planetarium
Where
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605
Tickets
FREE!
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of COMING SOON. To find out more about other exciting programming and events coming to Chicago’s stages, click here to read —
