4/8/24 - Solar Eclipse Viewing Events

Many plan to gather to watch today's solar eclipse. Several libraries and museums plan to offer events.

Today, April 8, 2024, is when the solar eclipse takes place across the United States.  A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly in between Earth and the sun.

The West Michigan area will see a partial solar eclipse where about 94% of the sun will be covered.  The eclipse will begin across West Michigan just before 2 p.m., the peak around 3:10 and will conclude around 4:20 p.m.

The next total solar eclipse to occur in part of the United States won’t be for another 20 years.

The eclipse should only be viewed with special glasses to prevent damage to the eyes. 

Many area groups plan to hold viewing parties:

ALLEGAN COUNTY

Ransom District Library's Solar Eclipse Watch Party (180 S. Sherwood Ave., Plainwell)

• Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. — More info..

CALHOUN COUNTY
Willard Library

• Monday, April 8, 2-4 p.m. at the Helen Warner Branch outdoor amphitheater.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

Kalamazoo Valley Museum's Solar Eclipse Viewing Event (Kalamazoo Valley Museum — 121 Eleanor St., Kalamazoo)

• Monday, April 8, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. — More info.

Parchment Community Library's Solar Eclipse Watch Party (401 S. Riverview Dr., Parchment)

• Monday, April 8, 1:45 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. — More info.

KENT COUNTY

Bethel Community Education's Solar Eclipse Party (6070 Kuttshill Dr. NE, Rockford)

• Monday, April 8, 2:55 p.m. — More info.

Kent District Library solar eclipse viewing parties:

• Byron Township Branch — Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.
• Caledonia Township Branch — Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.
• Cascade Township Branch — Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.
• Comstock Park Branch — Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.
• East Grand Rapids Branch — Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.
• Grandville Branch — Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.
• Walker Branch — Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.

Blandford Nature Center Eclipse Viewing Party (1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

• Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info..

Grand Rapids Public Museum Eclipse Party (Public Museum — 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids — and Blue Bridge)

• Monday, April 8, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. — More info.

Lookout Park Total Eclipse of the4 Sun Picnic (801 Fairview Ave. NE, Grand Rapids)

• Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.

Rosa Parks Circle 2024 Eclipse Party (155 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids)

• Monday, April 8, 12 p.m. — More info.

MUSKEGON COUNTY

Muskegon Astronomical Society Star Party (702 North Maple Island Road, Muskegon)

• Monday, April 8, 2:30 p.m. — More info.

NEWAYGO COUNTY

NCDSA Solar Eclipse Open House (S.F. Wessling Observatory — 6523 W. Baseline Rd., Fremont)

• Monday, April 8, 1 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. — More info.

Newaygo Area District Library's Solar Eclipse Block Party (Brooks Park — 28 N. State Rd., Newaygo)

• Monday, April 8, 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. — More info.

OTTAWA COUNTY

Grand Valley State University Physics Department's solar eclipse viewing event (Kirkhof Center — 1 Campus Drive, Allendale)

• Monday, April 8, 1:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. — More info.

Herrick District Library Eclipse Viewing Party (Herrick North Branch — 155 Riley Street, Holland)

• Monday, April 8, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. — More info.

Outdoor Discovery Solar Eclipse Party (Outdoor Discovery Center — 4214 56th Street, Holland)

• Monday, April 8, 1:45 p.m.- 4:15 p.m. — More info.

Patmos Library Solar Eclipse Watch Party (Patmos Library — 2445 Riley St., Hudsonville)

• Monday, April 8, 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. — More info.

Public Observatory Solar Eclipse (Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory — 8115 W. Olive Rd., West Olive)

(Some information from source: WXMI)