Big Stone Gap, VA. The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is hosting “Outside the Box”, a program for the 2024 solar eclipse which will feature not only an eclipse-viewing opportunity, but also an educational component and a presentation on how to construct a viewing box. This event will be held on Monday, April 8, from 2 to 4 p.m.

On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will sweep across North America. Some observers within its path of totality, a 115-mile-wide strip where the moon will completely obscure the sun, may experience brief, total darkness in mid-afternoon. Those outside the path will experience a partial eclipse, with a portion of the sun remaining visible.

Park rangers and volunteers will offer “Outside of the Box” on the lawn of the 101 train-car, overlooking beautiful downtown Big Stone Gap, where we’ll have a clear view of the sky and a front row seat to science in the making.  The program will include a brief presentation about the science and cultural significance of a solar eclipse, as well as the impacts that an eclipse can have on societies and our natural resources.

After the presentation, participants will be shown how to construct their own viewing boxes to safely watch this amazing spectacle. Although participants will not be given materials to make their own box, they are more than welcome to bring them along. For a list of supplies needed, contact the park at 276-523-1322 or email Doretha.Cole@dcr.virginia.gov. Participants may stay after the presentation to watch this once in a lifetime event if they chose to. A limited amount of viewing glasses will be available for purchase.

This program is free, but registration is required. Registration is due by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 5. Please call the park for more information or to register.

The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.