- This event has passed.
Spring Break: Eclipse-a-palooza
April 1 @ 10:00 am - April 7 @ 2:00 pm
The Buffalo Museum of Science will be closed for the April 8 eclipse, but we’re getting ready for this special once-in-a-generation event by celebrating all things eclipse during spring break week. Each day promises new themes and activities that will explore different aspects of this wonderous phenomenon that will be taking place right in our backyard
The Museum has been selected as a NASA Subject Matter Expert site on April 5, 6, and 7, powered by the generous support of M&T Bank. On these days, there will be additional NASA activities from 10am – 2pm as well as Subject Matter Expert presentations on April 5 at 11:30am and 1pm and on April 7 at 11:30 and 1pm. For additional information, click here.
- Dates: Monday, April 1 to Sunday, April 7 (The Museum is CLOSED April 8!)
- 10am – 2pm daily
- House of Munch food truck will be on site every day starting at 11am, cash only
- All ages
- Included with admission or membership
Monday, April 1: Living Things
Plants, Animals, Fungi, OH MY! Weird things happen when it gets dark in the middle of the day. We know that bugs go crazy just before totality, then get very quiet. We know the birds will start their dawn chorus just after totality. Plants that bloom at night may open during a total solar eclipse, and the bioluminescent fungi might glow. Create your own bioluminescent mushroom artwork to take home!
Tuesday, April 2: Light and Shadow
Be the moon during an eclipse! A total eclipse places those in the path of totality within the Moon’s (roughly) 100-mile shadow, making it almost as dark as night. Make your own eclipse flipbook and have fun with light in shadow with activities featuring our giant inflatable Sun.
Wednesday, April 3: Technology and Space
We use various types of tech to observe the world around us and the space around the world. This day will focus on the technology we use to observe and interact with space and astronomical events. Learn more about safe ways to view the April 8 eclipse and what the Sun, Moon and stars can tell us about time and navigation.
Thursday, April 4: Art
Astronomical phenomena are a special part of the human experience and how fortunate we are that we get to view total solar eclipses! Art has been an important way for humans to universally communicate those experiences across different time periods, languages, and cultures. Learn more about the earliest depictions of eclipses and then, design your own eclipse art in the form of pop-up cards and chalk drawings!
Friday, April 5: History and Culture (+NASA programming)
What have eclipses meant to people throughout time; what do they mean to us now? How has our knowledge of eclipses (and space in general) changed? We’re taking a closer look at how different civilizations and cultural groups have viewed eclipses and how their written literature, poems and artifacts help us to understand their experiences. Write your own eclipse haiku and practice your storytelling when you create your own constellation art to take home. The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Book Mobile will be on site with special space-themed selections!
Saturday, April 6: Music (+NASA programming)
Composers have often looked to the Sun, Moon and stars for inspiration for their musical compositions, like Haydn’s Sun Quartets and Debussy’s beautiful “Claire de Lune” (French for ‘moonlight’). Hear some of these iconic pieces played LIVE and learn more about what makes music sound like the Sun versus Moon with special guests from frac/tured string quartet.
Sunday, April 7: Eclipse Eve (+NASA programming)
Don your best space-themed outfits and join us for an eclipse eve celebration! Take a photo with our big star (our inflatable Sun) and learn everything you need to know to be ready for the big day from the science behind the eclipse to important safety information.
