SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017

Solar Eclipse 2017 at the South Carolina State Museum

Fri., Aug. 18 – Sun., Aug. 20

On August 21, 2017 Columbia, SC will be one of the best places to witness the Solar Eclipse of 2017. The South Carolina State Museum will be hosting a weekend-long celebration of eclipse activities, exhibitions and shows all leading up to solar eclipse totality which occurs at 2:41pm on Mon., Aug. 21.

PLEASE NOTE:
General public and member tickets to Total Solar Eclipse Day on Aug. 21 at the State Museum are SOLD OUT. The museum will be CLOSED to non-ticket holders on this day.

Eclipse Fun Includes:

• Special appearance by Apollo 16 astronaut, Gen. Charles Duke. (Eclipse Day, Aug. 21, only – SOLD OUT)

• Reserved common area outside for safe viewing of the total solar eclipse (Eclipse Day, Aug. 21, only – SOLD OUT)

• Solar Eclipse viewing glasses provided by SCE&G

• Access to the recently updated Robert B. Ariail Telescope Gallery and Boeing Observatory.

• Access to NASA Langley’s Centennial Experience Trailer. (Eclipse Day, Aug. 21, only – SOLD OUT)

• Special astronomy and space exhibits.

• Special eclipse education pop-up stations and tours.

• Special Planetarium Eclipse Show, Shadows from Space.

• Access to a 4D theater movie showing.

---

Additional Resources

---

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, causing the Moon to temporarily cast its shadow on Earth. Solar eclipses happen about twice a year and total eclipses are only visible to those located in the path of the Moon’s shadow as it crosses the Earth. Columbia is located close to the center of this path of totality, which is less than 100 miles wide. A total solar eclipse has not been visible from the United States since 1979, which has some astronomy fans referring to this event as the “Great American Eclipse.”

If you are interested in learning more about this eclipse, visit greatamericaneclipse.com for maps, eclipse history, videos and more.