The Creative Learning Alliance is preparing for next year’s total solar eclipse, April 8, 2024. The last time the United States experienced a total solar eclipse was in 2017. While outside the Northern edge of totality, those in the Joplin region will still experience 95.5% magnitude at the eclipse’s maximum.

In Joplin, the 2024 eclipse will start at 12:34 p.m., reach maximum eclipse at 1:52 p.m. and end at 3:10 p.m. Visitors to the science center will learn the safest ways of viewing the sun and solar eclipses using shadows.

We’ll have a full week of countdown and eclipse activities so mark your calendars!