Countdown to the Eclipse

On April 8th, 2024, New Hampshire will be along the path of totality for a total solar eclipse! This hasn’t happened since 1959 and won’t happen again until 2079!

You’re Invited!

Join us at the Discovery Center from 12 PM - 5 PM for the “Great American Eclipse Viewing Party”

  • Eclipse begins at approximately 2:15 PM

  • Maximum view in Concord, NH can be seen at 3:29 PM (with 96% maximum coverage)

  • Ends at 4:38 pm

  • Total time: 2 hours and 23 minutes

Joining us outdoors to view the eclipse is free! All indoor activities and access to the exhibit galleries are included with general admission tickets.

In the event of poor weather, the planetarium show schedule will be announced on April 8th—tickets will be available for purchase at the front desk only; there will be no online planetarium show tickets available for April 8th.

Preparing for the Eclipse

Eclipse Glasses

Make a plan and get your eclipse glasses! If anyone remembers the last eclipse where all solar eclipse glasses were sold out and back ordered, you’ll know how important it is to get them ahead of time.

Educational Resources

Enjoy this presentation by Discovery Center educators on the upcoming eclipse!
Thank you Williams College for providing the video.

Other Educational Resources

Eclipse Activities and More

Capital Quilters Guild
2024 Challenge Quilts Exhibition

For their 2024 Challenge Quilt, Concord’s Capital Quilters Guild chose the solar eclipse as their theme. Observe the different ways each quilter interpreted the theme, utilizing various fabrics and techniques to capture the idea of this astronomical phenomenon, in this special exhibition at the Discovery Center!

Quilts will be on display through Sunday, April 28, and access to the exhibition is included with general admission.

Thank you to the Capital Quilters Guild for choosing the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center to display these beautiful works that demonstrate the connection of science and art.