NC viewing parties planned for total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse, one of nature's most spectacular sights, is coming to North America on April 8 and there are several places in the Triangle area planning viewing parties.
Weather permitting, the solar eclipse will be visible on a path from Mexico through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before venturing into eastern Canada.
The Triangle isn't in the path of totality, so people here will see a partial eclipse. For point of reference, around 78 percent of the sun will be obscured at WRAL Studios on Western Boulevard in Raleigh, so most in the Triangle can expect a similar experience.
Depending on where you are located in the state, you will see different levels of obscuration with locations in the western part of the state having more of the sun obscured.
Can you look at the eclipse?
Before you go to any viewing party, you will want to make sure you have special glasses. You must use ISO-certified-safe solar glasses and viewers to view the eclipse. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing. You can purchase the appropriate glasses and viewers online. Many of viewing parties below have eclipse glasses for sale. Other viewing methods such as pinhole projectors are also suitable.
North Carolina Solar Eclipse viewing parties
Solar Eclipse Party at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
250 E Franklin St., Chapel Hill NC 27514
12:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Morehead will hold free outdoor events including solar observing and hands-on astronomy activities. Ticketed admission ($10) in the building will include a live stream of the eclipse from totality, meteorite activities, and special eclipse-themed screenings of Carolina Skies in our Fulldome theater. The museum store will also be selling eclipse glasses and other merchandise as supplies last. You can purchase eclipse glasses now for $2 at the gift shop or at the front desk. Get more details about this event.
Partial Eclipse Viewing Party in the Pollinator Garden
Imagination Station, 224 Nash St. SE, Wilson, NC 27893
2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
You can view the Solar Eclipse from the Pollinator Garden, where they are expecting it to be about 78 percent covered at peak viewing around 3:12-3:18pm. Bring eclipse glasses or pinhole viewers. They will have some to share. This event is free to attend. Get details about the Imagination Station event.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Duraleigh Road Community Library
5800 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC 27612
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
All ages are invited to the library for this free event featuring eclipse trivia, eclipse fun and a viewing of the rare event! Eclipse glasses will be provided. Registration is requested. Register for the event.
2024 Solar Eclipse at Fayetteville State University Planetarium
1200 Murchison Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28301
2-4;30 p.m.
The planetarium will have several telescopes available to view the event, including a new 70 mm solar H-alpha telescope. This event is free to attend. They will have a limited number of eclipse glasses for sale during the event.
See information about this event.
Lake Norman State Park: Eclipse Viewing Party!
1412 State Park Rd, Statesville, NC
2:30-4 p.m.
Join park staff at the swim beach to view the solar eclipse. A limited supply of viewing glasses will be available. The eclipse will start at 1:54 pm, with about 80% coverage visible from this location at 3:12 pm! No registration is necessary. Get more information.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Robeson Community College
5160 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC 28360
2-4 p.m.
RCC will have telescopes set up, special binoculars and special solar glasses, so that those on campus as well as the community can view the solar eclipse safely without damaging their vision.
Statewide Star Parties (April 5-8)
The 2024 North Carolina Science Festival is presenting this the Statewide Star Party from April 5 to 8. It will feature 37 public sky-watching events across the state. Some are happening during the eclipse. See a full list of parties in the state.
NBC News to host special 2024 eclipse watch party
NBC News will feature extensive live coverage of the historic eclipse on Monday beginning at 2 p.m.
