Solar Eclipse Events Planned in Durham, Chapel Hill

Solar Eclipse Events Planned in Durham, Chapel Hill

Edited April 5 to add information from Durham Public Schools.

On April 8, we’ll see at least a partial solar eclipse – about 80% coverage in the Durham area. It’s the last chance to see some of a total eclipse until 2044. But where can you go to experience the phenomenon with friends, family, and total strangers?

Durham Museum of Life and Science: Monarch Butterfly Eclipse

From 2 to 5 p.m., on a day when the center’s usually closed, the south side of the Durham Museum of Life and Science will host a free event.

Museum staff note that the eclipse path resembles the migration route of monarch butterflies. The Monarch Butterfly Eclipse Project pairs the eclipse with learning about the butterflies and the importance of pollinators. The eclipse viewing will start at 2 p.m., peak at 3:15, and end around 4:30.

They’ll give out free treats from sponsor Jeni’s Ice Creams while supplies last.

Durham Public Schools Eclipse Activities

On Friday, April 5, Durham Public Schools notified the community about lesson plans and special activities occurring ahead of the solar eclipse.

  • Githens Middle School is holding a sixth-grade solar eclipse day, with each core class doing something related to the subject and the eclipse, with music, decorations, snacks, and an afternoon watch.
  • Northern High School students will view the eclipse through a solar filter with a telescope.
  • Creekside Elementary School is hosting the Duke Stargazing Club to discuss solar eclipses.
  • A Hillandale elementary teacher told student about the eclipse and sent some students home with a pinhole viewer.
  • Forest View Elementary School received a donation of solar eclipse glasses from a nonprofit called Eclipse for a Cause.

“Viewing the phenomenon of a solar eclipse aligns with the new North Carolina standards in science by providing a rich opportunity for students to engage in authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences,” said Dr. Linda Tugurian, DPS executive director for curriculum and instruction. “By experiencing a solar eclipse firsthand, students not only deepen their understanding of fundamental scientific principles but also cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder about the universe. Science-learning standards specify that students learn about phenomena that cause us to see the phases of the moon and how and why eclipses occur. How better to learn about these concepts than by experiencing the real thing?”

Morehead Planetarium: Solar Eclipse Party

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill is hosting a Solar Eclipse Party from 12:30 to 4:45 p.m.

Outdoor Activities – Free

  • Telescopes and sunspotters for solar observing.
  • Gift shop table with eclipse glasses and other merchandise.
  • Hands-on solar eclipse activities.

Indoor Activities – $10 admission

  • Livestream of the eclipse from totality on the Science Stage.
  • Meteorites and other indoor activities in the Launch Lab.
  • Carolina Skies: Solar Eclipse: A 30-minute presentation providing information about the causes of solar eclipses and a look at a total solar eclipse in the planetarium.

Parking’s liable to be an issue at Morehead, given ongoing construction of their parking facilities. Instead, visitors may need to check out Town of Chapel Hill parking and UNC-Chapel Hill parking options.

No matter where you watch the eclipse from, please keep the following in mind:

Looking at the sun? Don’t use sunglasses, an unfiltered camera, telescope, or binoculars – even when you’ve got eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Concentrated solar rays can damage the filter and seriously injure your eyes.


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