This August, the United States will witness a truly magnificent feat of nature: a total eclipse of the sun. And while eclipses are fairly common, happening about once every 18 months, the 2017 solar eclipse is special because it will be visible from earth and it’s the first all-American eclipse in almost 100 years – meaning that only the residents of the lower 48 states will see at least a partial coverage and anyone in the path of totality, from Oregon to South Carolina, will witness a full-fledged blackout (minus the sun’s corona).
Of course, you never want to stare directly at the sun because can cause irreversible damage to the eyes but you definitely don’t want to miss an event this cool either. Local libraries and science hubs know this, which is why they’ve planned some seriously hot parties to commemorate the Aug. 21 occasion. Peruse this list of events and head out to enjoy the 2017 solar eclipse safely and in all of its glory.
Salem-South Lyon District Library
- Address: 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon
- Times: 10-10:45 a.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 248-437-6431
Swing by the library prior to the eclipse for some stories about the sun and the universe. After, make a craft and learn about the eclipse and then view it when it starts at 1:02 p.m. Registration required.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Address: 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: Free with museum admission: $10/adults, $9/seniors, $5/students and children
- Phone: 616-929-1724
Make the trek to Kent County to celebrate the eclipse in style. Apart from viewing the eclipse, guests on this day get to participate in hands-on activities, have a meal, watch a star show in the planetarium and more. There will even be a live broadcast of the event through WZZM.
Michigan Science Center
- Address: 5020 John R. St., Detroit
- Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: Free with museum admission: $14/adults, $11/kids ages 3-12, free/ages 2 and under
- Phone: 313-577-8400
The area’s largest collection of science exhibits and fun in the area puts on an entire day of events. Before the eclipse hits, make clouds, learn what life might be like on other planets, explore the science behind gravity and learn all about the sun. As the moon moves in, you’ll get to make a pinhole projector out of household items so that you can safely watch the moon trek across the sun. There will also be planetarium shows and activities in the Spark!Lab.
Clinton-Macomb Main Library
- Address: 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township
- Times: 11 a.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 586-226-5020
This spot offers a program called Galileo and His Universe on the day of the eclipse. Meet the “Father of Modern Science” and learn what he discovered about our universe in a time in which religion was the law of the land and science was a lot of hooey. Registration required.
Cranbrook Institute of Science
- Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Times: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free with museum admission: $13/adults, $9.50/ages 2-12, free/under 2; additional fees apply for the planetarium shows
- Phone: 248-645-3200
Experience the eclipse through planetarium shows. Sun- and eclipse-themed programming will lead up to the big moment, too.
Sterling Heights Public Library
- Address: 40255 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights
- Times: 1-2 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 586-446-2665
Kids enjoy a special story about the eclipse; plus crafts, activities and a viewing party, too.
Dexter District Library
- Address: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
- Times: 1-3 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 734-426-4477
The library supplies solar eclipse sunglasses so that you can view the eclipse safely; plus there’s sidewalk chalk, stories, games, refreshments and more.
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch
- Address: 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
- Times: 1-3:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 734-327-4200
The library will provide special glasses so that you can watch as the eclipse starts at 1:02 p.m. and continues to 80-percent coverage by 2:26 p.m.
Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center
- Address: 5175 Indian Trail, White Lake
- Times: 1-3:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission, $10/parking
- Phone: 248-625-7280
Get the grandparents out of the house and celebrated Senior Day at the Metroparks by treating them to a viewing of the natural phenomenon.
Kensington Metropark Nature Center
- Address: 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford
- Times: 1-3:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission, $10/parking
- Phone: 810-227-8910
Senior Day at the Metroparks happens to fall on the same day as the eclipse. Bring nana and papa out to see it.
Canton Public Library
- Address: 1200 S. Canton Center Road, Canton
- Times: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 734-397-0999
Swing by the library to nab a pair of official solar eclipse-viewing glasses and then head to Heritage Park to kick back and watch the moon take over.
Ferndale Public Library
- Address: 222 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
- Times: 1-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 248-546-2504
Enjoy space-themed treats and activities in the courtyard and sneak a peak at the eclipse, too.
Roseville Public Library
- Address: 29777 Gratiot Ave., Roseville
- Times: 1-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 586-445-5407
If you miss this eclipse you’ll have to wait another seven years to see one again so get to the library and watch it pass by.
Southfield Public Library
- Address: 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield
- Times: 1-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 248-796-4200
Watch the moon pass in front of the sun from the safety of the library. Viewing glasses will be provided.
VollBrecht Planetarium
- Address: 19100 Filmore St., Southfield
- Times: 1-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 248-746-8880
This open house-style event will allow families to explore this Oakland county gem and view the eclipse up close through protective telescopes and binoculars. Solar-themed snacks available while supplies last.
Novi Public Library
- Address: 45255 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi
- Times: 1-4:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 248-349-0720
“The Great American Solar Eclipse” will be live streamed on the big screen at the library so that everyone can watch it safely and without glasses.
Cromaine District Library
- Address: 3688 Hartland Road, Hartford
- Times: 2-3 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Phone: 810-632-5200
Livingston County residents hit up this local spot for a free eclipse-viewing kit and activities.
