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Wondering where you can watch the 2024 solar eclipse in Tampa on Monday, April 8?
With sun-safe telescopes, expert astronomers, and fun, hands-on activities, MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, is ready to help you experience the rare and amazing celestial event of a total solar eclipse in Tampa.
If you miss this opportunity to watch the 2024 solar eclipse in Tampa, you’ll have to wait 21 years until another total solar eclipse covers this much of the Sun in the Tampa Bay area—in August of 2045!
Tampa Solar Eclipse Celebration Event at MOSI
MOSI will hold a Tampa Solar Eclipse Celebration event in its outdoor Science Park on Monday, April 8, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Tampa solar eclipse event is included with MOSI admission and will feature out-of-this-world activities including:
- Sun-safe solar telescopes in Science Park, giving guests an up-close look at the eclipse, guided by MOSI astronomers
- Hands-on eclipse activities staffed by MOSI educators in the Primary Colors Amphitheatre
- Eclipse viewing in Science Park, where guests can view the eclipse with glasses that can be purchased from MOSI for $5
- Worldwide live streams of the eclipse from 1:30–4:00 p.m., with televisions showing the live eclipse view from across North America
About the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon’s path completely covers the face of the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light and darkening the sky as if it were early in the morning or late in the evening. The last time this type of eclipse took place over the U.S. was in August 2017.
Millions of people across North America will be able to see the April 8 total solar eclipse, in parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. In the U.S., it will begin in Texas at 1:23 p.m. Eastern Time and end in Maine at 4:40 p.m. The width of the “path of totality”—where the Moon will totally block the Sun—ranges between 62 and 71 miles.
While Florida is not in the path of totality, viewers in the Tampa Bay area who safely observe the solar eclipse will see a dramatic sight, with the Moon blocking about 60% of the Sun’s solar disk.
How to Safely View the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Tampa from Home
It is never safe to look directly at the Sun—even during an eclipse—without appropriate safety gear.
José Cotayo, an Education Specialist at MOSI, says, “Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes for direct solar viewing. You must use eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard or a welder’s mask that is shade #12 and is free of lens scratches.”
If you can’t join the Tampa Solar Eclipse Celebration at MOSI, and don’t have eclipse glasses, you can still experience it safely. Cotayo suggests using anything with small holes like a colander from your kitchen.
Hold it a little above the ground and look down—you’ll see eclipse-shaped shadows cast on the ground. Also, be sure to look down at the shadows beneath trees—the leaves act as pinhole projectors, resulting in a memorable sight!
More Things to do at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry
A hands-on science center located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave in North Tampa near USF, MOSI invites people of all ages on an adventure of discovery.
Through interactive learning and playful exploration, both kids and adults can experience the wonders of science and unlock the mysteries of the world around us. With engaging permanent and rotating exhibits and out-of-this-world programming, MOSI makes science and technology accessible to all.
Now through Sunday, May 5, MOSI visitors can experience a hands-on journey through the life cycle of a butterfly in a special a-MAZE-ing Butterflies exhibit.
Learn more about all the exciting things to do at MOSI in our guide to Tampa Bay indoor activities.
More Things to do in Tampa This Spring
Looking for more fun and adventurous things to do in Tampa during spring? Check out our guide to spring adventures around Tampa Bay.
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