The best events for viewing the total solar eclipse in Houston
You don't have to be in the path of totality to experience this celestial event. Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Space Center and more have you covered. The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS Hermann Park and Sugar Land) will host eclipse watch parties, complete with solar telescopes, and merchandise for sale at their gift shops. The planetarium will also be showing discounted screenings of “Totality Over Texas” and will broadcast a livestream featuring updates from museum staff who will be filming directly within the path of totality in Bandera, Texas. From April 6-8, Space Center Houston is offering three days of interactive programming on the science of solar eclipses, including musical performances, lectures, hands-on activities with the Houston Astronomical Society, planetarium presentations, and a crafting class. The Houston Zoo will distribute free eclipse glasses to guests, while supplies last. Several Houston Public Library branches will also have eclipse parties, including crafts and storytimes.
Publicerad : 4 veckor sedan förbi Brittanie Shey i Lifestyle
Lucky for us, Houston is filled with scientists and science nerds—this is Space City after all. That means there are plenty of events on April 8 to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event in the company of like-minded folks, and maybe also learn something in the process.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science's two locations—Hermann Park and Sugar Land—will host eclipse watch parties complete with solar telescopes. Staff astronomers will be on hand to answer questions. Alongside solar crafts, CE Certified Solar Eclipse glasses, viewing guides, T-shirts, and other merchandise will be for sale at the museum's gift shops. The planetarium at HMNS Hermann Park will also be showing discounted screenings of “Totality Over Texas” at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Then, at 1 p.m., as the eclipse begins, the planetarium will begin showing a livestream featuring updates from museum staff who will be filming directly within the path of totality in Bandera, Texas. This will give Houstonians a chance to see what totality might look like without having to travel. (This livestream will also be broadcast on HMNS's social media channels.)
From April 6–8, Space Center Houston is offering three days of interactive programming on the science of solar eclipses, along with musical performances, lectures on how eclipses have affected history, hands-on activities with the Houston Astronomical Society, planetarium presentations, and even a crafting class in which you can make your own solar system bracelet. On eclipse day, SCH will be handing out free eclipse glasses and host talks emceed by retired NASA astronaut Tony Antonelli. There's much more in the works too—check out SCH's website for extensive details.
Tickets to SCH start at $30 for adults, but be sure to book soon, as this event is likely to be popular.
See firsthand how wild animals react to an eclipse at the Houston Zoo, which will be distributing free eclipse glasses to guests (while supplies last) on April 8. Grab your glasses at the Lone Star Pavilion near Cypress Circle Cafe beginning at 11 a.m. General admission to the zoo starts at about $30 for adults. Get tickets at HoustonZoo.org.
Several Houston Public Library branches will have eclipse parties, including crafts such as learning how to make a pinhole camera to view the event safely and eclipse-themed storytimes. Check the HPL website for specific locations, and make sure to register, as space is limited.
Memorial Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, but it's been longer than that since Texas has had a total solar eclipse. (The last one was in 1878.) The park is sponsoring a viewing party on the recently completed Kinder Land Bridge from 1–3 p.m. on April 8. The event will include pinhole camera-making and lectures. (You'll have to bring your own eclipse shades.) Lawn chairs are welcome.