Solar Eclipse for Kids in Sacramento

On Monday, August 21, Sacramento families will have the opportunity to view the long-awaited 2017 solar eclipse. This eclipse is the first to be seen in Sacramento in nearly 40 years. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to share an amazing natural wonder with your children, especially since the next eclipse won’t be visible in Sacramento until 2024… it’s not too late to plan for the upcoming solar eclipse for kids in Sacramento!

Amazing Learning Opportunities

Viewing the solar eclipse for kids in Sacramento is more than just a fun activity, it’s a chance to show your children the astounding mechanisms of our solar system. Together, you’ll witness the darkening sky as the moon passes between Earth and the sun, partially blocking its light. Viewing the eclipse with your children is an excellent way to introduce your kids to planetary science, astronomy and physics. Sharing the eclipse with your children is a learning opportunity that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom.

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Sacramento Solar Eclipse

While Sacramento’s location won’t fall in the direct track of the 2017 eclipse’s darkest shadow (also known as the umbra), Sacramento viewers will still be able to enjoy a striking show. From our region, the moon will block the sun by 79% offering observers breathtaking sights as the moon partially obscures the sun, which still gives Sacramento a remarkable view of the penumbra (also known as partial eclipse).

For those watching from Sacramento, the beginning of the eclipse starts at 9:02 a.m. when the moon’s position will begin to obstruct the sun.  This process will continue until the eclipse reaches its peak at 10:17 a.m.

Viewing the Eclipse with Kids in Sacramento

The Powerhouse Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, located at 3615 Auburn Blvd in Sacramento is hosting a special eclipse-viewing event on August 21. The event is being held in partnership with the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society in celebration of this rare celestial occurrence. The viewing party is free to the public and begins at 9 a.m.

Sacramento State University’s Department of Physics & Astronomy will also be hosting an eclipse viewing event starting at 9 a.m. at the American River Levee just north of the Hornet Bookstore. They will provide telescopes with solar filters, pin-hole cameras, and eclipse-viewing glasses. This site offers clear views of the sky and is in close proximity to the new Science Complex. (note that parking is available in parking structure II with permits).

Another great solar eclipse viewing opportunity will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. at 10th Street and Capitol Avenue in Sacramento on the west steps of the Capitol. Hosted by the California Public Utilities Commission, the Energy Upgrade California and Assemblymember Holden, the event will feature activities, arts and crafts and demonstrations. Attendees can learn easy ways to save energy, chat with NASA Ambassadors and pick up a pair of eclipse viewing glasses.

The World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi is another great option for families who would like to watch the eclipse together. Located at 2 North Sacramento Street in Lodi, this kid-friendly science center opens at 10 a.m. on Monday and is an engaging, educational, and inspirational science destination offering fun for all ages.

It’s not too late to make plans for the long-awaited solar eclipse for kids in Sacramento. Don’t miss the rare chance to experience this spectacular event with your children.

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More Things to do in Sacramento with Kids…

Looking for more things to do with kids in Sacramento? Sacramento offers countless opportunities for fun! Check out our other lists of things to do in Sacramento, or browse Places to Go section.