The partial solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 will bring spectacular views of the eclipse to Southern New England, and Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will host an event for ticket holding visitors. The event will largely occur in full sunlight and the mid-August sun can be rather vicious and unrelenting. Additionally, viewing the Sun in any manner without proper protection can result in vision impairments, including blindness and physical burns. At all times proper viewing safety must be adhered to. The following information will help you prepare for a visit to Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center during the solar eclipse.

What to Wear

Visitors should wear cool, loose-fitting clothing with light color tones. Sunblock should be applied liberally before arriving at Frosty Drew and should be re-applied throughout the day as needed. Even though it will be daytime, we have observed several biting / stinging insects in Ninigret Park (home to Frosty Drew). An insect repellent like Avon Skin So Soft will help keep the bugs away. DEET will repel most of the insects we see, though Skin So Soft has a better result with insects aside from mosquitoes.

What NOT to Bring

All items listed on our Visiting the Observatory page

All unauthorized solar viewing devices will not be permitted at the event. The only exception to this rule is ISO 12312-2:2015 certified Eclipse Glasses and camera lens filters, and official Sunspotter devices. If arriving with any of these items, they will need to be inspected and approved by our astronomers before they will be admitted.

What TO Bring

Sunblock - You will be in the Sun for most, if not all, of the event.

Water to drink. Frosty Drew will have tap water available for ticket holding visitors.

A beach blanket, a folding chair, or something to sit and relax on. An umbrella to shade yourself from the Sun may also be desirable if you cannot find any shady spots to relax in.

Snacks or munchies. Frosty Drew will have a bake sale tent that will have some items available for purchase on a first come first serve basis.

Indirect solar viewing devices. Camera obscura devices (cardboard boxes), colanders, and anything that does not contain optics.

Expected Behavior

If you do not have tickets and the event is sold out, do not just show up and try to get in. You won't! Additionally, arguing and/or threatening our astronomers and team members will not get you access to the event, it will get you banned! If the event does not sell out, we will open ticket sales on site on a first come first serve basis. Once the event sells out our event page and news feeds will list the event as SOLD OUT, and signs will be erected at the event to let arriving visitors know.

The event will be enthusiastically attended, which means there will be lines for telescopes and viewing stations, as well as other stations. Everyone at the event will be dealing with this. Please do not expect special treatment for yourself or members in your group. We treat everyone equally and all of our presentation stations operate on a first come first serve basis. Arguing with, insulting, or threatening other visitors will just get you kicked out of the event. Additionally, cutting the lines, not following directions, and not adhering to our Equipment Use TOS will get you kicked out of the event. If a visitor is treating you in an inappropriate manner, please seek out a Frosty Drew team member who will address the situation.

An eclipse is a fabulous natural event that occurs for all inhabitants of Earth, we can all enjoy it together and make a fun day of it!