Hartford

Your Local Solar Eclipses Parties and Events

Don’t get left in the dark on the solar eclipse. The moon will pass in front of the sun, around 2:45 p.m. today, temporarily blocking the sunlight from reaching the Earth’s surface.

Check out your local solar eclipse viewing party and remember to be safe as you view this exciting natural phenomenon!

Great American Solar Eclipse Viewing
Where:  Amphitheater at Elm Ridge Park, Rocky Hill
When: 1 p.m. to  4 p.m.
Details: The Cora J. Belden Library is hosting the event and the first 1,000 registrants will get free eclipse viewing glasses. Eclipse-related activities will take place.

A Total Eclipse Celebration
Where: Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Ave., Hartford
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Various activities include yoga with a certified children’s instructor, educational activities, and food trucks

Solar Eclipse at Van Vleck Observatory
Where: Van Vleck Observatory, 96 Foss Hill, Middletown
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Wesleyan University is hosting the event and telescopes will be open for public viewing and eclipse-safe glasses will be provided. The John Monroe Van Vleck Professor of Astronomy, Bill Herbst will be available for brief interviews and questions.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Where: Horsebarn Hill Road, next to the UConn Dairy Bar in Storrs
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
Details: 150 solar eclipse glasses for first arrivals. There will be a tutorial on eclipses before the eclipse and a Q and A with an astrophysicist after the eclipse. A pin-hole making activity will take place for the kids.

Solar Eclipse at the Children’s Museum
Where: The Children's Museum, 960 Trout Brook Dr, West Hartford
When: 1:20 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Telescopes will be open to the public and educators will be demonstrating how to view the eclipse with a pinhole projection. Eclipse viewing is included with general museum admission.

Partial Solar Eclipse @ LFOP
Where: The Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, 355 Prospect St, New Haven
When: 1:25 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Details: Solar telescopes will be provided as well a eclipse glasses while supplies last. There will also be a live video feed of the eclipse from different vantage points in the country.

The Eclipse 2017 Observing Event
Where: Glastonbury Planetarium, 95 Oak St, Glastonbury
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Event will take place in the field next to the planetarium. The planetarium will provide solar viewers for guests as well as properly-fitted telescopes. There will also be a short presentation of the eclipse as well as a live stream of the eclipse from the planetarium’s dome. The planetarium recommends attendees bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc. for the event.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Where: Ballard Park, Ridgefield
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Activities will take place throughout the day and glasses will be provided to attendees at the event.

Solar Eclipse Viewing at WAS
Where: Rolnick Observatory, 182 Bayberry Ln, Westport
When: 1:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Details: Viewing equipment and eye protection will be provided.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Where: John J. McCarthy Observatory, New Milford High School, Route 7
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: An assortment of protected telescopes and binoculars will be provided and volunteers will be demonstrating how to make pin-hole devices to view the eclipse safely.

“Howl at the Sun” Eclipse Party
Where: Pratt Street in downtown Hartford
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Details: Register to win Wolf Pack prizes, receive promotional codes for the Wolf Pack’s October 6 home opener game, jump on the Wolf Pack inflatable, and meet “Sonar” the Wolf Pack’s mascot. Note, viewing the solar eclipse is not included in this event.

“Lights Out Across the USA”
Where: Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic
When: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Interactive screens will display a display feed of the eclipse as it makes its way across the country. Free with regular museum admission. Includes informational programs throughout the day.

New Haven Free Public Library is hosting parties and will have stories and snacks at all branches. The event is 5 and up. Special glasses will be available while they last: 

  • Fair Haven Library, 182 Grand Ave., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 
  • Mitchell Library, 37 Harrison St., 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Stetson Library, 200 Dixwell Ave., 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Wilson Library, 303 Washington Ave., 2:15 p.m.  
  • Ives Main Library, 133 Elm St., 3 p.m. 
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