Learn everything you need to plan for the upcoming solar eclipse and try these activities to get kids excited.
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A total solar eclipse is coming up on Monday, April 8, 2024. It will be visible across quite a bit of North America, so we want to help you plan!
While 2 to 5 eclipses happen around the world each year, a total eclipse only happens about every 18 months. You’d have to travel to see most of them though; a total eclipse visible from a specific location is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking its view. During a lunar eclipse, the moon moves into Earth’s shadow.
This is a great learning opportunity, so whether you’re watching from home or school, or attending a local event, here’s what you need to know.
April 2024 eclipse info
- The eclipse will begin on the west coast of Mexico, travel from Texas to Maine, and end on the east coast of Canada.
- The eclipse will last a few hours from beginning to end, but the totality will only last a few minutes in each location. You can check the precise times in your city from Time and Date.
- It is essential to wear protective eyewear to observe an eclipse. Look for eclipse glasses that are ISO-approved. (We found some at a local hardware store for a few dollars before the last one.)
- Note: You also should not take photos or record video with a phone or camera without a solar filter.
When is the next solar eclipse
Check your location at Time and Date to find out when the next lunar eclipse will be visible from your home.
- February 17, 2026
- August 12, 2026
During an annular eclipse, the moon is further from the Earth so it will appear as a glowing red ring and the sky won’t be completely dark. During a total solar eclipse, the moon will completely cover the sun to create a halo and the sky will be completely dark.
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Things to do before the eclipse
If you’ve never experienced an eclipse before, it can be hard to know what to expect. There are a few solar eclipse activities you can do with your kids to learn about eclipses and build excitement.
- Learn the difference between annular, partial, and total solar eclipses.
- Teach kids about the sun, moon, and Earth. Explain how a solar eclipse happens. You could even build a model using balls.
- Look at NASA photos from a previous eclipse to see how the sun will look.
- Find out whether your city is on the path of totality or how much of the sun will be obscured. There may also be local events you can attend.
- Talk about safety. Purchase solar eclipse glasses or make a box pinhole projector from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
How to watch the eclipse
Once you know what to expect, get ready! The point of totality will only last a few minutes.
- Check the exact time for your location and keep an eye on the clock.
- Go outdoors where you have a clear view of the sky. Put on your solar eclipse glasses and look toward the sun as the eclipse begins. Be sure to supervise little kids to ensure they’re wearing the glasses correctly.
- Take plenty of breaks to look away, but be sure to check again during totality.
- Observe how the light and shadows around you change too.
More learning activities
After the eclipse, there are tons of fun science activities you can do to continue learning about the sun and moon.
- Journal about your solar eclipse-watching experience.
- Try this shadow experiment.
- Learn about the relative size of the sun and planets.
- Make a solar oven for an experiment using the sun’s heat.
- Use sunography paper or fabric to make sun art prints.
- Make a DIY sundial to measure how the sun moves.
- Read books about the sun, moon, and planets.
- Make moon collage art.
- Learn about the phases of the moon with a paper craft.
- Keep a moon observation journal.
- Study the night sky and look for planets, stars, and constellations.
What’s next? Find out when the next solar eclipse will be visible from where you live. Or plan to observe a lunar eclipse. They’re more common and you don’t need protective eyewear to look at the moon. You can observe it just with your eyes, or use binoculars or a basic telescope for even more detail.
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