The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater is temporarily closed through the end of October 2023 as we enhance our accommodations for an even more extraordinary experience at the Fleet Science Center.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
A day of exciting eclipse activities
Bring your family and be part of an unforgettable celestial experience! On Saturday, October 14, the skies above San Diego will grace us with a breathtaking solar eclipse. The Fleet Science Center invites you to marvel at this cosmic wonder together.
FREE EVENT ACTIVITIES UNDER THE OPEN SKY
Join us as the eclipse commences at 8:09 a.m., with its mesmerizing climax visible from San Diego at 9:26 a.m., and concluding at 10:52 a.m.
- Immerse yourselves in the magic of space with engaging demonstrations. Discover fascinating solar-related phenomena in three captivating demo stations.
- Ask an Astronomer! Have your eclipse questions answered by our resident astronomers and eclipse experts. Get ready for an enlightening conversation.
- Craft your very own solar viewer with Studio X. It's a fun and free activity that lets you safely observe the eclipse's mesmerizing progression.
- Enhance your eclipse experience with NASA 3-D glasses––provided to you for free.
DELIGHT YOUR SENSES WITH CRAVEOLOGY
Early Opening at 8 a.m.
Begin your eclipse adventure with a steaming cup of coffee and delicious pastry items from Craveology. Fuel up and enjoy the spectacle!
PREPARE FOR THE ECLIPSE AT THE NORTH STAR SCIENCE STORE
Early Opening at 8 a.m.
Secure your eclipse glasses from The North Star Science Store. These specially designed glasses will ensure you can safely witness the eclipse's awe-inspiring beauty.
DISCOVER MORE INSIDE THE FLEET
Early Opening at 9 a.m.
Stay with us for the rest of the day to enjoy additional eclipse-related activities and experiences within the Fleet Science Center, all included with your admission:
- Dive into the night sky and explore the celestial wonders that grace our cosmos in this special presentation of The Sky Tonight in our Lecture Hall.
- Engage your creativity with eclipse-themed activities in Studio X. Let your imagination soar as you connect with the cosmic event.
- Throughout the day, immerse yourself in captivating demonstrations that showcase the marvels of solar science.
- Join us at the Lecture Hall to witness a live feed of the eclipse.
We can't wait to share this experience with you. The Fleet Science Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of the eclipse. Gather your loved ones and join us for an awe-inspiring celebration of science and the universe. Witness the magic and create lasting memories together.
Please note: Special equipment is needed to observe the eclipse. IT IS NOT SAFE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN DURING A SOLAR ECLIPSE. Looking directly at the eclipse can cause permanent eye damage. Telescopes and binoculars can be used to project images of the Sun on a flat surface, much like a pinhole camera. Special Eclipse Shade glasses are available to purchase from the Fleet’s store. If you wish to observe through a telescope, you need a solar filter and cannot use your typical spotting scope to align.
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