What is a total solar eclipse?
A total eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the sun entirely. On Monday, April 8, parts of the country - a diagonal stretching from Maine to Texas - will witness a totality event. The temperature drops significantly, the sky becomes pitch black, and a cacophony of nocturnal animal sounds sing.
While Delaware won't be in the path of totality, this historic event will still be a sight to witness! According to Belgian astronomer, Jean Meeus, a total solar eclipse occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, on average, about once every 330 years.
When can I see the Eclipse?
Begins: Monday, April 8 at 2:07 pm
Maximum: 3:23 pm
Ends: Monday, April 8 at 4:34 pm
Lucky for us, there are several eclipse parties taking place across Wilmington - New Castle - & Hockessin on Monday, April 8.
Wilmington, DE Eclipse Events
Multiple Dates
- 4/1 - 4/5:🌓 Phases of the Moon Scavenger Hunt | Claymont Public Library | All Day
- 4/1 - 4/5: School's Out: ECLIPSE STREAM | Claymont Public Library | All Day
- 4/1: Solar Eclipse Scavenger Hunt | Hockessin Public Library | All Day
- 4/1 - 4/3: Pop-Up Sun, Moon, and the Eclipse Make-and-Take Activities | Kirkwood Library | All Day
4/1
Astrophysics for Beginners: Solar Eclipses | Route 9 Library | 6:30 PM
4/3
- Eclipse Movies for All: "A Trip to the Moon" & "Eclipse" | Claymont Public Library | 1:30 PM
- Eclipse Story Time: Sun & Moon | 10:30 AM
4/6
- Eclipse Extravaganza | Brandywine Creek State Park | 2 PM
4/8
- Partial Solar Eclipse | | Brandywine Creek State Park | 1 - 3:30 PM
- Solar Eclipse Viewing | White Clay Creek State Park | 1 - 3:30 PM
- Solar Eclipse Viewing Party | Delaware Museum of Nature & Science | 1 - 4 PM
- Eclipse Live Stream | Newark Free Library | 1 - 4 PM
- Eclipse at Fox Point Park | Fox Point State Park | 1:45 - 3:45 PM
- Solar Eclipse Viewing Party | Elsmere Library | 2 - 4 PM
- Eclipse Viewing Party | Claymont Public Library | 2 - 4 PM
- Eclipse Viewing Party | Auburn Valley State Park | 2:30 PM
- Eclipse Viewing Party | Bear Library | 2:30 - 3:30 PM
- Eclipse Viewing | Rockford Park | 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Viewing The Solar Eclipse: How To Make A Pinhole Projector
Safety First
Remember, never look directly at the sun with the pinhole viewer or without proper eye protection, as it can cause serious eye damage. Always supervise children and follow safety guidelines to enjoy the eclipse safely. Please refer to NASA's guidelines on how to protect your eyes during an eclipse.
Not all eyewear is created equal. Glasses should meet the safety requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard and come from a reputable manufacturer, verified by the American Astronomical Society. Find full lists here for Solar Filters or Viewers Filters.
Where to Get Glasses Around Wilmington
- Warby Parker is giving away 2 glasses per family from April 1-8. Visit their local stores: Suburban Square: 66 Coulter Ave, Ardmore, and King of Prussia: 160 N. Gulph Rd.
- Head to the Library: All New Castle County Libraries will give out eclipse glasses at library eclipse programs, while supplies last.
- For purchase: Delaware Museum of Nature & Science Gift Shop, Walmart, Wegmans, Cracker Barrel, or Lowes.
- NASA Eclipses site
- Nasa Eclipse Safety
- Delaware Libraries’ online Solar Eclipse LibGuide
- How to Watch the Solar Eclipse With Your Kids - PBS Kids
- How to Make a Paper Plate Shield For Your Eclipse Glasses
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
