During the school year, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm, the planetarium is open ONLY for Arlington Public Schools students.
Eclipse Safety and Information
An eclipse is a wonderful natural phenomenon to share with students and it is a rare moment we can add an actual eclipse into our instruction. Student safety is paramount when considering using the eclipse as a learning event. High quality solar eclipse glasses are necessary to view the eclipse and avoid eye damage. Sunglasses are not a substitute for solar eclipse glasses. The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) has produced free resources including Solar Eclipse Observing Guides specifically for school administrators, teachers, and families. You can find them on NSTA’s Solar Eclipse Webpage at https://www.nsta.org/eclipse. Scroll down to find the guides. The April 8th eclipse is a school day and will be happening between approximately 2-4:30PM. If interested, the American Astronomical Society keeps a list of suppliers of safe solar filters and viewers.
While supplies last, free eclipse glasses will be available before public programming on April 1st (Stars Tonight), and before the weekend shows on April 6th and 7th at the Planetarium. Please inspect your approved eclipse glasses and confirm there are no scratches before wearing them. Eclipse glasses should be put on while looking down and away from the sun. After you have finished observing, look down and away from the sun to take off your eclipse glasses. Never look directly at the sun without approved and inspected eclipse glasses completely covering your eyes.
The Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium (FOP)
All proceeds go directly to support the planetarium programs and science education in Arlington Public Schools.
Contact Us
David M. Brown Planetarium
1426 N. Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22207
703-228-6070
Mary Clendenning, Planetarium Director
703-228-2890
mary.clendenning@apsva.us
Christine Reid, Science Office
703-228-6166
chris.reid@apsva.us
Directions
The David M Brown Planetarium is located adjacent to the campus of Washington-Liberty High School. The physical address is
1426 N. Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22207
Arriving from the West via I-66:
Take Exit 71 (Glebe Rd/Fairfax Drive.) Continue east on Fairfax Drive and turn left at the sixth traffic light onto N. Quincy St. Head north on Quincy two blocks and look for the white domed building on your left.
I-66 from the East and DC:
Take Exit 72 (Glebe Rd). At the exit, turn left on Glebe Rd. At the next traffic light (Washington Blvd) turn left and go two traffic lights to N. Quincy Street. Turn left on Quincy and proceed two blocks to the planetarium (white domed building on you left.)
Arriving from the South:
Travel northbound on Glebe Road (approx 3.7 miles from I-395) to N. Quincy. Right on Quincy and pass 3 traffic lights and look for the white domed building on your left.
Arriving West from Langston Highway (US Rt 29):
Turn right onto N.Quincy at traffic light. There will be two car dealerships on either side of Quincy as you make your right turn. Follow N. Quincy across I-66 overpass (approximately 1/2 mile) and immediately turn right into Planetarium/W-L Annex parking lot.
Area Planetariums & Astronomical Organizations
Area Planetariums:
- Smithsonian Institution, Air and Space Museum, Einstein Planetarium
- Rock Creek Park Planetarium
- Maryland Science Center
- Robinson Nature Center Planetarium, Columbia, MD
Local Astronomy Clubs:
- NOVAC – The Northern Virginia Astronomy Club
- National Capital Astronomers
- Goddard Astronomy Club