WASHINGTON — How old will you be in 21 years from now? Because that's when you'll get another chance to watch the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.
Even though the DMV isn't in the path of totality, several viewing events and watch parties are planned for Monday, April 8 as a total solar eclipse crosses over North America, Mexico, and Canada.
According to NASA, a total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.
9+ eclipse viewing events and watch parties in and around the DMV:
1.) National Mall
- Between 4th and 12th Streets, from noon until 4 p.m., a solar eclipse festival will be held on the National Mall.
- This event takes place in collaboration with other Smithsonian museums, NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
- Attendees are encouraged to bring their own viewing glasses.
2.) Hotel Zena in D.C.
- An eclipse viewing party will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Hedy's Rooftop located at Hotel Zena.
- Tickets are $15 per person to attend.
3.) The Ven at Embassy Row
- From 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., join the hotel for a solar eclipse viewing party.
- Sip on eclipse-themed drinks for an extra-cosmic kick.
- Tickets are $10 per person to attend and include eclipse eyewear.
4.) Observatory Park in Gaithersburg
- View the 2024 solar eclipse at the park with hands-on activities and free solar glasses (while supplies last).
5.) Gateway Park in Arlington
- Spend the afternoon with Rosslyn BID to celebrate and view the eclipse on Monday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- This event is courtesy of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club.
- Special solar glasses will be handed out during the event.
6.) NASA Goddard Visitor Center in Greenbelt
- The center will hold a viewing event from noon until 4 p.m. on April 8.
- Registration to attend this event is required.
7.) Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville
- Experience the eclipse with hands-on activities inside and outside; including improv, art, planetarium and a variety of viewing apparatus.
- The free event will be held from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m.
- Registration is encouraged.
8.) Friends Wilderness Center in Harpers Ferry
- The center is hosting an eclipse potluck picnic.
- Cardstock and other materials will be used to experiment with pinhole projection
- Programs are free but participants are asked to consider a $20 per person donation.
9.) The Turner Farm in Great Falls
- The farm is putting together a viewing event starting at 1:30 p.m.
- Attendees will get free solar viewing glasses.
- Registration for this event is $10 per person.
10.) University of Maryland
- Students, teachers, and faculty alike will gather on the front lawn of Glenn L. Martin Hall between 1:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. to view the eclipse.
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