Versant Power Astronomy Center offers eclipse programming
Versant Power Astronomy Center is hosting a variety of special programming for the upcoming total solar eclipse visible in Maine on April 8, 2024.
Friday evenings at 7 p.m. throughout March and on April 5, the astronomy center will feature “ECLIPSE: Moments of Wonder:” an immersive view of eclipses. The show will explore the nature of celestial alignments and help people prepare to safely observe the upcoming one. Images of both solar and lunar eclipses captured by a world-renowned astro-photographer will be displayed, and the program includes information on how to observe April’s solar eclipse.
Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. throughout March and on April 7, a family program will feature “Total Eclipse: Chasers of Lost Sleep.” Kentucky, a sleepless hen and star of social networks, discovers animals fall asleep during total eclipses. With the help of her robot J.O.S., Kentucky travels through space-time in search of the perfect total solar eclipse in hope of finding sleep at last. On her journey, she discovers the conditions that make eclipses possible, how they work and how to observe the unique phenomenon. The program also includes information on how to observe the upcoming solar eclipse.
The planetarium will have two “Eclipse Saturdays” on March 30 and April 6. Programming will be from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. and feature the two shows above, as well as “Totality: Explore the Wonder of Eclipses,” which will share unique science discovered during solar eclipses. On April 5, Challenger Center of Maine will be onsite at the astronomy center with hands-on activities between programs. Solar viewing will take place on both days between shows, weather permitting.
Advanced bookings are recommended for all programs as the planetarium does sell out regularly.
For more information about the solar eclipse and programming for it, visit astro.umaine.edu/eclipse or call the planetarium at 207.581.1341.