partial eclipse

Events

Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Join the Cosmosphere and the Hutchinson Public Library on Monday, April 8, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm in the Cosmosphere’s south parking lot for a partial solar eclipse viewing party!* While Hutchinson, Kansas, won’t be in the path of totality, we will still experience an 85% obscuration or partial eclipse. Enjoy food trucks, free activities, and the partial eclipse!

Cosmosphere will have several binocular and telescope stations to view the partial solar eclipse safely. Families can make UV (ultraviolet) bracelets, plus there will be many eclipse activities from the Cosmosphere and Hutchinson Public Library to enjoy. So bring your lawn chairs (don’t forget your eclipse viewing glasses) and prepare to have some solar fun!

Hutchinson, Kansas partial eclipse approximate times for Monday, April 8, 2024:
Partial eclipse begins: 12:31 p.m.
Maximum partial eclipse: 1:48 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 3:00 p.m.

Please note: for the safety of our patrons, we are closing our South Parking lot to parking of vehicles/traffic. We want our visitors to have ample room to enjoy the festivities and not worry about dodging cars.

All parking will need to occur in the Cosmosphere’s main lot, Stringer Fine Arts Center lot, or the Sports Arena parking lot. Handicap parking is available in our main lot between the Cosmosphere’s building and Gowans Stadium. See starred areas on the map for available areas to park.

When viewing a partial or total solar eclipse, the number one rule is to NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. Regular sunglasses won’t cut it. Eclipse viewing glasses are what’s needed. We highly recommend purchasing your eclipse glasses before the event. You can get them at the Cosmosphere’s Gift Store in-store or online here.

Plus, don’t miss the Eclipse Across America presentation on Thursday, April 4, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Justice Planetarium. Learn more here.

Eclipse References from the Cosmosphere

Why you don’t want to miss the April 8 eclipse!

How to view the eclipse using household items.

To learn more about the April 8, 2024 eclipse, read our latest blog.

*Weather permitting.

Links:

General Eclipse Info:

NASA Solar Eclipse Info:

DIY Solar Eclipse Viewers: