A rare and very special event, an annular eclipse of the sun, will be visible along a track through New Mexico at mid-morning on October 14, 2023, the last Saturday of this year's International Balloon Fiesta!  Albuquerque is in the exact spot to see the sun become a perfect ring of light (when viewed safely) for nearly the longest duration. Get ready for this amazing experience; it won’t be visible again in this area for 200 years!

The Museum's Space Science educators and scientists will present a series of talks before the big day.  Find out why eclipses happen, what is special about this one, and most importantly, learn how to view it safely.

This particular program will be presented by museum Space Science Director, Jim Greenhouse.  He will describe the coincidences which will come together and make this eclipse a historic event for New Mexico.

The talks are being planned for different times and days of the week to allow everyone to attend one.  They are included with Museum or Planetarium admission.  If you can't come to the Museum for this talk, here are the dates and times of future ones:

Friday, September 1, 4 p.m. in the Planetarium

Thursday, September 14, 1 p.m. in the Planetarium

Wednesday, September 20, 1 p.m. in the Planetarium

Saturday, September 30; time and location to be announced.

Thursday, October 5; time and location to be announced.

AND on the week leading up the eclipse, during Balloon Fiesta, short talks by NASA guests and solar scientists will be offered.  Check back for details.