Where to See the Solar Eclipse Around Massachusetts

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

On April 8, 2024, the Moon will cross in between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the sun and creating some moments of darkness in the middle of the afternoon. Though Massachusetts is not within the eclipse’s “Path of Totality” (the area that will experience a 100% eclipse), parts of the state could see up to a 95% eclipse – if we’re lucky enough to have some agreeable weather.

The eclipse will be viewable between 2 and 4 p.m. across Massachusetts, peaking at around 3:30 p.m. in most parts of the state. While you should never look directly at the sun, there are a number of ways you can safely experience the eclipse – including using special eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.

Eclipse views will get better as you move west across Massachusetts, getting away from the light pollution of cities and closer to the eclipse’s Path of Totality. But the views in Eastern Massachusetts and the Cape shouldn’t be too shabby either, provided we have clear skies.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is marking the occasion with free educational programs and guided viewing sessions at 8 state parks: Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Borderland State Park in North Easton, Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in East Falmouth, Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, and Mt. Greylock State Reservation in Lanesborough. On Boston’s Spectacle Island, a DCR property, Boston Harbor Now is also hosting an eclipse viewing event.

Worcester’s EcoTarium is commemorating the occasion with free admission and events looking at science, astronomy, and other fun topics scheduled at the museum throughout the day.

In Springfield, the Springfield Science Museum is also celebrating with free admission and telescopes available for eclipse viewing. And in Westfield, the Amelia Park Children’s Museum will have a number of STEM activities geared towards elementary school-aged students.

On Martha’s Vineyard, the Maria Mitchell Association is celebrating the eclipse with special viewing areas, telescopes, keepsake glasses, and various activities around the campus.

If you’re near the North Shore, Collins Observatory in Salem State is hosting an eclipse viewing party that is free to the public, where guests can create their own safe eclipse-viewing eyewear and learn about the eclipse from Salem State professors.

Join the McAuliffe Branch Library in Framingham on eclipse day for a discussion about myths that different cultures throughout history have used to explain eclipses and other astronomical events.

Head to the Falmouth Public Library lawn on eclipse day for a viewing party featuring games, music, and of course, eclipse viewing. Eclipse safety glasses will be provided to attendees.

Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum will host an eclipse viewing party on Peters Hill, the tallest hill in the Arboretum and one of the highest points in Boston. The event is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

TOPICS: Eclipse, Falmouth, Framingham, Harvard University, Martha's Vineyard, Salem, Worcester