Due to positive response on social media pre-registration is strongly encouraged to avoid waiting in line to buy tickets. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed. Pre-registration closes Friday, January 18 at 5pm.

Join the Cranbrook Institute of Science for a special evening of moon-related activities leading up to the total lunar eclipse beginning on January 20, 2019. The Institute will not be open during regular Sunday hours! Instead, our doors will open at 8pm when the night sky fun begins! Of course, the Cranbrook Observatory will be open, and members of the Warren Astronomical Society will have more telescopes set up outside for additional viewing. But even if the Michigan sky plays coy, there will be more fun inside the museum!

The Acheson Planetarium will present its new show Eclipses and the Night Sky running throughout the evening. Cranbrook Curator of Earth and Life Sciences John Zawiskie will be doing smashing presentations on the Geology and Origin of the Moon. Meanwhile, Collections Curator Cameron Wood will be livening things up with sessions covering ancient myths and legends from around the world relating to lunar eclipses. Then, blast off for a Virtual Reality simulation of space travel. There will be table-top activities for young and old alike, where visitors can make space slime, assemble their own 2019 moon phase chart, and more! The Science Shop will be offering 10% off all space-related merchandise, with members receiving an additional 10% off. If you get a bit chilly out-of-doors, stop by the Reflections Café to purchase a hot beverage and a snack to keep you going.

“Total Eclipse, Total Fun!” is a great way for the whole family to get the most out of this rare celestial event. All activities and events are available for an all-inclusive ticket price of:

  • Members - $15
  • Not Yet Members - $20
  • Children under 2 - free
  • Pre-register online for $1 off each ticket

The event will run at least until 11pm, and if the weather is clear we will keep the museum open and moon watching until midnight.

Remember to bring an Earth-friendly bag for stashing your lunar loot!

Total Eclipse, Total Fun is a snow, rain, ice, cloud-or-shine event; no refunds or credits.