By Planetarium Staff—
MUNCIE, IN—All regular planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. Plan to arrive early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited.
One free pair of solar eclipse glasses will be provided to each planetarium show guest for a suggested cash donation of $1, while supplies last. If you are interested in acquiring a large number of eclipse glasses for your organization fill out the Eclipse Glasses Request Form available on our website www.bsu.edu/solareclipse2024 to be considered. Glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Simons Foundation.
So You Want to See Totality?
Friday, March 29 at 5:30pm & 6:30pm
During this special live program by Planetarium Director Ms. Dayna Thompson, you will learn about the science of solar eclipses, tips and tricks to seeing an eclipse, how to view totality, and more. One free pair of solar eclipse glasses will be provided to each planetarium show guest for a suggested cash donation of $1, while supplies last. A hands-on activity will be available before the program. Telescope viewing will be available after the program, weather and time permitting.
All ages are welcome, best suited for ages 9+.
Special Saturday Eclipse Activities at the Brown Planetarium
Saturday, March 30 & Saturday, April 6 from 2:30pm – 7:00pm (last planetarium program at 6:30pm)
Come learn about solar eclipses during special workshops, lectures, planetarium programs, and more as we continue to get ready for April’s total solar eclipse. Free Ball State solar eclipse glasses will be given out, while supplies last, for a suggested donation of $1/pair. There will also be solar telescopes (weather permitting) and a special eclipse lecture by Ball State Astronomy Professor Dr. Todd Vaccaro at 5:30pm in the Brown Planetarium. Planetarium shows are at 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm:
One World, One Sky: Big Birds Adventure
Saturday, March 30 & Saturday, April 6 from 2:30pm – 3:00pm
Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners, all ages are welcome.
Kitz the Cat’s SuperMoon Adventure
Saturday, March 30 & Saturday, April 6 from 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 6+, all ages are welcome.
Earth, Moon, & Sun
Saturday, March 30 & Saturday, April 6 from 4:30pm – 5:00pm
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Special Lecture by Professor Dr. Todd Vaccaro
Saturday, March 30 & Saturday, April 6 from 5:30pm – 6:00pm
Most suitable for ages 12+, all ages are welcome.
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
Saturday, March 30 & Saturday, April 6 from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Most suitable for ages 9+, all ages are welcome.
Solar Telescope Viewing Party at the Scramble Light
Monday, April 1; Tuesday, April 2; and Thursday, April 4 from 11:00am-3pm weather permitting
Weather permitting, view the Sun through one of Ball State’s powerful Solar Telescopes setup at the Scramble Light. See the Sun in a very specific color of red light known as Hydrogen-alpha and view the atmospheric region of the Sun called the chromosphere. Learn about and see dramatic features like solar prominences, filaments, and flares! Eclipse glasses and training sessions will also be available at this event as we will be continuing to get the community ready for April’s total solar eclipse.
Earth, Moon, & Sun
Friday, April 5 at 5:30pm
Coyote has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system and learn to distinguish between myths and science. Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the Sun rises and sets.
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
Friday, April 5 at 6:30pm
There will be a total eclipse of the Sun visible from Muncie, Indiana on April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse is such a spectacular event, it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. This show also uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of eclipses, and explains how to safely see these awe-inspiring sights.
Most suitable for ages 9+, all ages are welcome.
Special Sunday Eclipse Programs at the Brown Planetarium (last planetarium program at 6:30pm)
Sunday, April 7 from 2:30pm – 7:00pm
Enjoy a series of planetarium programs and more as we continue to get ready for April’s total solar eclipse. Free Ball State solar eclipse glasses will be given out, while supplies last, for a suggested donation of $1/pair. Planetarium shows are at 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm:
One World, One Sky: Big Birds Adventure
Sunday, April 7 at 2:30pm – 3pm
Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners, all ages are welcome.
Kitz the Cat’s SuperMoon Adventure
Sunday, April 7 at 3:30pm – 4pm
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 6+, all ages are welcome.
Earth, Moon, & Sun
Sunday, April 7 at 4:30pm – 5pm
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
Sunday, April 7 at 5:30pm – 6pm & 6:30pm – 7pm
Most suitable for ages 9+, all ages are welcome.
Planetarium Information
- NOTE:The planetarium will be closed the day of the solar eclipse. NO glasses will be distributed from the planetarium on the day of the eclipse. We encourage people to use the tools and the information learned during previous planetarium events at their favorite outdoor viewing site in the community.
- Due to construction being done on the Cooper Science Complex, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program. Visit our location and transportation webpagefor up-to-date information.
- The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Complex, at 2111 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie.
- Food, drinks, gum or candy are not allowed in the planetarium.
- Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to any planetarium programs.
- Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
- We greatly appreciate your supportto make our programs possible, and cash donations are accepted at the door.
For directions and parking information, as well as general policies, please visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website.
Interested in scheduling a private educational visit to the planetarium? Request a planetarium visit for your Ball State class or group online.
If you are interested in acquiring a large number of eclipse glasses for your organization fill out the Eclipse Glasses Request Form to be considered.
