Museum News
All About the 2024 Solar Eclipse in South Carolina
Save the Date! The Next Solar Eclipse is Monday, April 8, 2024
The next total solar eclipse, on April 8, 2024, is rapidly approaching. Many are excited about the possibility of seeing yet another solar eclipse- however, in South Carolina this astronomical event will be far less dramatic compared to the total solar eclipse we experienced in 2017.
In 2017 Columbia was in the path of totality, with 100% of the sun being covered by the Moon. On Monday, April 8, 2024, only about 75% of the sun will be covered by the Moon in a partial solar eclipse. To see another total solar eclipse, you’ll have to head out of state to Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio or somewhere else along the path of totality.
The South Carolina State Museum is closed on Mondays and will be closed Monday, April 8.
Solar Eclipse Timeframe
Partial Eclipse Begins | 1:52 p.m.
Maximum Eclipse | 3:10 p.m.
Partial Eclipse Ends | 4:25 p.m.
Key things to know:
- A partial solar eclipse doesn’t produce the dramatic effects of a total eclipse (such as the sky suddenly getting dark, temperature drops, etc.).
- As maximum eclipse approaches just after 3:00 p.m. local time, there may be a slight change in light levels and shadows.
- You must have proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses, to view this partial eclipse. There will not be any time when it will be safe to look at the Sun directly.
- Use eclipse glasses that you have purchased recently. Glasses left over from the 2017 eclipse may not be safe. The State Museum Store has several different styles of approved eclipse glasses available for purchase. The American Astronomical Society also has a list of approved suppliers on their website: https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters
The next total solar eclipse visible in the continental United States will be in 2044. The next time Columbia will experience totality (like we saw back in 2017) will be much later - May 11, 2078!
Watch LIVE on April 8 with our friends at NASA
Visit & Explore the Universe at the SCSM
The 55-foot digital dome BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium takes guests on journeys to the deepest reaches of space and beyond.
State-of-the-art public observatory features a historic 1926 Alvan Clark refracting telescope with daily solar observing opportunities and more
What will the 2024 Solar Eclipse look like in South Carolina?
Astronomy Education Center
The museum is home to a wealth of astronomy related resources, including a state-of-the-art Observatory, a 55ft digital dome planetarium and a collection of antique telescopes.
Watch the 2017 Solar Eclipse at the State Museum