event information written by Dayna Thompson, Director of the Charles W. Brown Planetarium
When: Saturday: Oct. 14, from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Who: Everyone is invited!
Cost: FREE! (suggested cash donation of $5 accepted at registration table)
Where: The Quad at Ball State University (bordered by North Quad, the Fine Arts Building, and the Cooper Science Complex) & the Charles W. Brown Planetarium
(inclement weather location: Fine Arts Building Recital Hall)
Experience the partial solar eclipse at Ball State University’s Community Block Party as you partake in hands-on science and art activities, and observe the sky safely during the day with telescopes and free solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last). Join us out in nature as we come together during this celebration that includes a bounce house, family activities, music, and more!
Sign up to host a station at the event with your unit or organization, OR
sign up to work a volunteer shift at the event by Friday, September 30.
This event is planned during the annular solar eclipse visible by only a small fraction of the world (weather permitting, with proper eye protection). While we will not see the full annular event at Ball State, we have the chance to see a partial solar eclipse. The partial solar eclipse begins at 11:41 a.m., and the Moon will continue to block out more of the Sun until maximum occurs at 1:03 p.m. The partial solar eclipse will then end at 2:28 p.m.
This will be a great experience to help get us excited for the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024—an amazing and rare opportunity for our community!
ACTIVTIES & PROGRAMS
- Free Ball State solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last)
- Hands-on science and art activities and stations
- Boot Camp Challenge Inflatable Obstacle Course, crewed by Ball State’s ROTC
- Solar telescopes (weather permitting)
- Live-streaming of the eclipse from the path of annularity
- Planetarium Shows (11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm)
- Information about the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024
Remember, you need proper eye protection to safely watch solar eclipses. Learn more about this solar eclipse and others online at www.bsu.edu/planetarium/eclipse-2024.
This event is made possible by the Charles W. Brown Planetarium and the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State University, with partial support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
