Solar Eclipse 2017

Great American Eclipse Information

The premier astronomical event for 2017 is the Great American Eclipse on August 21. The eclipse will be total for a large path across the United States including much of southern Illinois. For the Peoria area, the moon will cover about 90% of the sun. While viewing this partial eclipse is still a unique event, the experience of viewing a total eclipse takes the phenomenon to a whole new level.

Eclipse Information:

The Peoria Riverfront Planetarium will act as "Great American Eclipse Central" for the Peoria area. You can find information about the eclipse on the museum's web site at http://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/dome-planetarium/total-solar-eclipse-of-2017. This site contains an overview of the upcoming eclipse as well as links to additional sites featuring eclipse information. The museum is also offering eclipse related items for sale in the museum gift shop. Included are a wall map of the eclipse path, a handbook on the Great American Eclipse, and eclipse viewing glasses ($1.95 per pair). If you are interested in listening to podcasts about the eclipse, a great site is at http://www.celestron.com/2017-eclipse-watch - entered.

Eclipse Events:

During the time leading up to the eclipse, the Peoria Riverfront Museum Planetarium will be holding a variety of activities relating to the eclipse. Currently, a dome showing of "Eclipse: The Sun Revealed" is being held daily. Check out show times at: http://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/dome-planetarium/dome-showtimes. The planetarium is also planning to hold eclipse lectures that will be open to the public. Dates and times for these events will be posted on the Riverfront Museum Planetarium's website and Facebook page.

On the day of the eclipse, a public group viewing will be held at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The Planetarium will post information about this event on their social media pages. Binoculars or telescopes are not needed to enjoy the eclipse. Viewing glasses can be purchased at the Riverfront Museum's gift shop or at several on line retailers. Vision protection is critical. Viewing the sun directly, even at near total eclipse, can permanently damage eyesight. Viewing the sun through binoculars or telescopes without proper solar filters will instantly and permanently damage one's eyes! It is recommended that vision protection be purchased early to ensure availability.

Enjoy the eclipse!