In the days prior to the first total solar eclipse to pass over the continental United States in 38 years, Butler University’s Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium will present the planetarium show All American Eclipse focusing on this astronomical event.

The show will take place August 17-19. On August 17 and 18, doors will open at 6:30 PM, with shows at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. On August 19, doors will open at 3:45 PM, and shows will take place at 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM.

Additional shows will be added if needed.

Admission is $3 for children and $5 for adults for the planetarium show. (Cash only accepted.) Viewing through the telescope is always free.

All American Eclipse will examine historical eclipses, types of eclipses, how and where to observe this eclipse, and what to expect. Following the informational eclipse portion of the program, the planetarium comes alight with a tour of the night time sky pointing out stars, constellations, and planets currently visible in our Hoosier skies.

After the planetarium show, visitors will have an opportunity to view through Indiana’s largest telescope, weather permitting. Objects that are being viewed this season include the sun (if daytime), the planets Jupiter and Saturn, M13 (a globular star cluster), Albireo (a binary star), and M57 (the Ring Nebula).

Holcomb Observatory will be closed on the day of the solar eclipse (August 21) so that faculty, students, and staff can travel to get the best view of the eclipse. The path of the eclipse will cut through the United States from Northwest to Southeast. Most of the United States, including ALL of Indiana, will only experience a partial solar eclipse.

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is located on the north end of the Butler University campus and can be reached by heading west on 46th Street from Meridian Street. In addition to the planetarium shows, the Observatory will be selling NASA-approved eclipse glasses while supplies last.

 

Media contact:
Marc Allan
mallan@butler.edu
317-940-9822