Annular Solar Eclipse: activities at the Planetarium and Patagonia Park

What activities does the Planetarium in Buenos Aires offer?

The Galileo Galilei Planetarium has been offering an astronomical outreach show in its Dome since August, providing a detailed description of the 2024 annular eclipse. The show features live narration to engage the audience and a projection of immersive, stunning images.

When? Tuesday to Friday at 1 PM and 5 PM. Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased on the Planetarium's website and are very affordable.

On the day of the eclipse, Wednesday, October 2, the Planetarium will offer free screenings of the show "Sun, Time of Eclipses” from 1 PM to 4 PM.

Protective glasses will be distributed for viewing the eclipse, and the phenomenon will be projected on a giant screen. There will also be educational talks at the entrance for those who attend. This activity is subject to weather conditions.

The eclipse can also be observed at the Planetariums in Rosario and La Plata.

What activities does Patagonia Park offer?

In Patagonia Park, the Rewilding Foundation will organize a series of events related to the eclipse.

September 29

Talk: "Rewilding and Wildlife Watching"

• Hosted by local entrepreneur Facundo Epul and the Rewilding Argentina conservation team at 10 AM. Location: Interpretation Center and Planetarium Elsa Rosenvasser Feher, Cañadón Pinturas Gateway. To register, contact +54 9 2966 22-8408.
• After the talk, participants will be invited to join a hiking and wildlife-watching activity. Participants are required to bring a packed lunch, plenty of water, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and layered clothing.
• At 4 PM, there will be a wrap-up event at the Interpretation Center and Planetarium Elsa Rosenvasser Feher.

October 1

"Return to the Origin": Yoga with Patricia Ramírez

• From 12:00 to 1:45 PM at Cañadón Pinturas Gateway, Patagonia Argentina Park. To register, contact +54 9 2975 92-5266.

Children’s Activities (Ages 5 to 12)

• At 3 PM. To register, contact +54 9 2975 92-5266. Location: Guillermo Bilardo Municipal Hostel, Perito Moreno.

Inauguration of Public Days and Presentation of the Program

• Hosted by the Municipality of Perito Moreno, Patagonia Park, and the Osiris Astronomy Foundation at 5 PM.

Talk: "Shadows in the Sky"

• At 5:30 PM, delivered by Dr. Guillermo Abramson from the Bariloche Atomic Center.

Talk: "Solar Eclipses: Nature’s Spectacles with a Scientific View"

• At 7 PM, given by astronomer Josep Masalles from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.

Activity: "Stargazing with the Naked Eye and Telescope"

• Hosted by the Osiris Astronomy Group at 9:30 PM.

October 2

Talk: "Celestial Encounter 2024: A New Solar Eclipse to Learn and Enjoy Astronomy"

• At 11 AM, presented by educator Diego Galperín from the Osiris Astronomy Foundation. Location: Interpretation Center and Planetarium Elsa Rosenvasser Feher, Cañadón Pinturas Gateway. To register, contact +54 9 2966 22-8408.

Talk: "Land of Canyons"

• At 2 PM, presented by Rocío Navarro, coordinator of the Patagonia Argentina Park Communities Program. Location: Interpretation Center and Planetarium Elsa Rosenvasser Feher, Cañadón Pinturas Gateway. To register, contact +54 9 2966 22-8408.

Public Observation of the Annular Solar Eclipse

• From 4 PM to 7 PM.

Closing Event with Local Artists

• At 7 PM at the Interpretation Center and Planetarium Elsa Rosenvasser Feher, Cañadón Pinturas Gateway. No registration required.

What else can be done in Patagonia Park?

Patagonia National Park was established by law in late 2014, thanks to a land donation from the Argentine Flora and Fauna Foundation (now Rewilding Argentina). This initiated a rewilding process that ended previous agricultural and livestock production, allowing native animals to return.

We visited the area, and it’s truly impressive how herds of guanacos and choiques (dwarf rheas) roam freely. There are also pumas, though they are harder to spot. Additionally, the park features over 100 kilometers of trails, where visitors can hike, climb, participate in geological tourism with guides, and visit the Cueva de las Manos, an archaeological site housing millennia-old rock paintings of hunting scenes, handprints, native wildlife, and abstract figures.