On August 12, 2026, Michigan will experience a partial solar eclipse!
The partial eclipse begins in Detroit at 1:03pm, reaches its maximum coverage at 1:36pm, and ends at 2:08pm. Only a small part of the Sun will be covered, but it’s a great excuse to break out the eclipse glasses and celebrate this celestial event!
Members of the Warren Astronomical Society will be onsite with their telescopes and the Cranbrook Observatory will be open from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
Interactive activities include:
- Sunspotter: Check out our Sunspotter to safely watch the event in real time without special glasses.
- Eclipse Maker: Experiment with flashlights and balls to understand what’s happening in the sky above.
- Make the Case: Eclipse glasses are easily scratched. Make a protective case to keep yours – and your eyes – safe.
- Power of Sunlight: Experiment with UV-sensitive beads and make a bead bookmark to take home.
- Space Rock Encounter: What Stories do they Tell?
- How Big? How Far? How Hot?: Challenge your knowledge of space objects with this fun and family-friendly sorting game.
About Discovery Days
Family-friendly Discovery Days explore natural history topics through hands-on activities, presentations, exhibits, and more!
- Discovery Days activities are included FREE with museum admission (which is free for members!).
- Spend more of your time enjoying the exhibits and activities by registering in advance online.
- Add on an Acheson Planetarium program ticket to discover even more during your visit!