2 upcoming events with the planetarium tag

Experience the partial solar eclipse at Ball State University’s Community Block Party as you partake in hands-on science and art activities, and observe the sky safely during the day with telescopes and free solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last). Join us out in nature as we come together during this celebration that includes a bounce house, family activities, music, and more!

This event is planned during the annular solar eclipse visible by only a small fraction of the world (weather permitting, with proper eye protection). While we will not see the full annular event at Ball State, we have the chance to see a partial solar eclipse. The partial solar eclipse begins at 11:41 a.m., and the Moon will continue to block out more of the Sun until maximum occurs at 1:03 p.m. The partial solar eclipse will then end at 2:28 p.m. This will be a great experience to help get us excited for the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024—an amazing and rare opportunity for our community!

When: Saturday: Oct. 14, from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Who: Everyone is invited! Community friends, families, students… everyone!
Cost: FREE, suggested cash donation of $5 accepted at registration table
Where: The Quad at Ball State University (bordered by North Quad, the Fine Arts Building, and the Cooper Science Complex) & the Charles W. Brown Planetarium (inclement weather location: Fine Arts Building Recital Hall)

Remember, you need proper eye protection to safely watch solar eclipses. Learn more about this solar eclipse and others online at TimeAndDate.com or www.bsu.edu/planetarium/eclipse-2024.

ACTIVTIES & PROGRAMS

• Free Ball State solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last)
• Hands-on science and art activities and stations
• Boot Camp Challenge Inflatable Obstacle Course, crewed by Ball State’s ROTC
• Solar telescopes (weather permitting)
• Live-streaming of the eclipse from the path of annularity
• Planetarium Shows (11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm)
• Information about the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024

Sign up to host a station at the event with your unit or organization, OR
sign up to work a volunteer shift at the event by Friday, September 30.

This event is made possible by the Charles W. Brown Planetarium and the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State University, with partial support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium presents the 4th Annual Astronomy SLAM! Just 10 minutes a person—that is all the time Ball State students will get to share a piece of the universe with you in the Brown Planetarium. During this annual event, students will use planetarium visuals to help them present in the most creative way they can while competing for the title of Astronomy Slam Champion! Suitable for all ages 10+, all ages are welcome.

Cost: $4/person, tickets available online only

Would you like to be a student presenter? Fill out the presenter interest form online by September 29, 2023.

Program Information

• Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes total.
• A reception with light refreshments will be held immediately after dome presentations.
• We do our best to have doors open 30 minutes before show time.

Planetarium Information

• NOTE: Due to construction being done on the Cooper Science Complex, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program. Visit our location and transportation webpage for up-to-date information.
• The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Complex, at 2111 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie.
• Food, drinks, gum or candy are not allowed in the planetarium.
• Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to any planetarium programs.
• Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
• We greatly appreciate your support to make our programs possible, and cash donations are accepted at the door.

For directions and parking information, as well as general policies, please visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website.

Interested in scheduling a private educational visit to the planetarium? Request a planetarium visit for your Ball State class or group online.