HMNS hosts viewing for “ring of fire” solar eclipse, happening Oct 14

HOUSTON, TX—Millions of people in the Western Hemisphere will experience a wondrous celestial event on Saturday, October 14: an annular “ring of fire” solar eclipse. But it won’t burn, burn, burn at HMNS – we’ve got you covered to safely enjoy this unique event, the last annular solar eclipse to be visible from the United States until 2039!

Join us beginning at 10:00am on October 14 – outside on the HMNS front plaza sundial for some special crafts and activities to learn more about the eclipse, and inside our Burke Baker Planetarium for free mini-shows every 15 minutes from 10:30am through noon that show simulations and demonstrate the rare conditions that cause eclipses.

While here in Houston we will see a deep partial eclipse (a “sun crescent”) with about 84% of the sun covered, the Planetarium will broadcast a live stream from Bandera, Texas (located west of San Antonio and directly within the path of annularity) showing the “ring of fire.” HMNS visitors will be able to safely view and track the eclipse using filtered viewing cards, telescopes, and sun spotters; watch some solar-powered toys and sun cookers in action; take part in fun crafts like creating usable sundials and cereal box eclipse viewers; and much more. HMNS will keep you safe, informed, and entertained for the whole event!

Our astronomers will be on hand to guide the activities and discuss what makes this annular solar eclipse different from the upcoming total solar eclipse, happening April 8, 2024.

Entrance into the Burke Baker Planetarium for the free mini-shows is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit hmns.org to stay up-to-date on information related to the eclipse and HMNS event.

• What: Annular Solar Eclipse – Photo Opportunity
  
• When: 10:00am, Saturday, October 14 (continuing until eclipse ends)
  • 10:27am: Eclipse begins
  • 11:58am: Maximum coverage
  • 1:38pm: Eclipse finishes
    
• Who:
  • Dr. Carolyn Sumners, VP of Astronomy and Physics (available for interviews before October 14)
  • James Wooten, Planetarium Astronomer (available for interviews on October 14)
  • Henrry Ramos, Planetarium Operator (available for interviews in Spanish)
    
• Where: Houston Museum of Natural Science
  5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
  Front plaza/sundial and Burke Baker Planetarium

For questions, please contact Sami Mesarwi at smesarwi@hmns.org or (281) 684-0430.

About Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.

###