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The East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium hosted a viewing party for the 2024 eclipse Monday, bringing community members out to enjoy a day under the sun- and moon- on its Prestonsburg campus.

The event included an outdoor viewing party complete with science models and a special telescope, as well as informational materials and presentations inside of the science center.

Families filled the front lawn, watching with little cloud coverage, taking advantage of their own Prestonsburg professionals to learn what the eclipse means and how it happens.

Employees said it was a great way to celebrate a wonder of the sky, while also showing the community everything the center has to offer.

“This really comes directly to our mission of spreading the joy of science to, really, anyone that we can talk to,” said Science Center Director Chrysta Ghent. “So, this is a great opportunity to show how accessible science can be and how fun it can be.”

Kids and adults alike were anxious to put their eclipse glasses on and watch the moon take its place, with some families saying it was not only entertaining but educational.

Like earlier, I was over there at the science table and I was looking through, trying to see the sun,” said fourth grade student KP Flannery. “The tree branches were poking through and the sun [was casting a] shadow. It was actually pretty fun looking at it.”

Science center representatives said you do not have to wait for a wonder of the sky to find a reason to wander through the center. You can find more about its programs and hours here.