Missouri Solar Eclipse Expo
Show Me Center
1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22, 2023
know about getting the most out of the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses.
Friday evening, July 21, 2023
On Friday night, July 21st, the Missouri Solar Eclipse Expo will “kickoff” with a panel discussion entitled “Get Ready for the 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses”. Panelists include a representative from NASA, eclipse expert Fred Espenak (“Mr. Eclipse”), a representative of the Missouri Department of Tourism, an expert of participation by schools, and a weather expert. The Panel Discussion will be held from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University with doors opening at 6:00 pm. Tickets are FREE, but seating is limited. A virtual participation option will be available for those unable to attend in person.
After the panel discussion, guests are invited to night sky viewing using a Portable Astronomical Observatory.
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Panel Discussion
A panel of experts will meet to give their perspectives on the upcoming 2024 eclipse and answer questions from the audience. The public is invited to participate in-person or virtually. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
Cost: FREE and open to the public, no tickets required.
In-Person Participation:
Location: University Center Ballroom, 388 Henderson Ave, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Parking: Free parking available in the two parking lots west of the building and across the street from the first-floor entrance.
Virtual Participation:
SEMO University Webpage: Link
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Night Sky Observing
Location: TBD
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Saturday all-day, July 22, 2023
Hours/Location
- 10:00 am - Outdoor Solar Viewing (weather permitting)
- 10:00 am - Doors open for indoor activities
- 5:00 pm - Show ends
Cost: Free for tickets ordered in advance. $3.00/person for tickets on the day of the event
Parking: Free parking available.
Details
Show Entrance/Exhibitors
10:00 AM to 4:30 PM - Show Entrance
Present your ticket to claim your goodie bag, including your free eclipse glasses and explore the exhibits!Location: Show Me Center Entrance
Cost: Free to tickets ordered in advance. $3.00/person for tickets on the day of the event.
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Exhibitors
Exhibits from cities, schools, parks, and more are planned. Take a look at the floor map to locate the exhibits that you don’t want to miss.Be sure to stop by the “INFORMATION CENTER” to obtain activity tickets for the interactive kids exhibits. First come, first served.
Location: Show Me Center Main Floor
Cost: Free to Show Me Center ticket holders
Speaker Areas
The Expo will host two theaters of speakers during the day. The “Diamond Ring” Theater will seat 250+ people and the “Bailey’s Beads” theater will seat 150+ people. Seating is theater style with open seating. Location: Show Me Center Main Floor
Cost: Free to Expo Ticket Holders. Open seating available on first-come, first served basis.
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM - “Diamond Ring” Theater
Our “Diamond Ring” theater area will host talks throughout the day to help you better understand and prepare for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses. Topics will include eclipse basics, weather, where to go, how to prepare, and more.11:00 AM - 4:00 PM - "Bailey's Beads” Theater
Our “Bailey’s Beads” theater will host speakers offering more technical presentations related to solar eclipses. Topics will include how to photograph eclipses, how the Sun works, and more.Activity Center
A variety of indoor and outdoor activities are planned throughout the day to make the Expo even more exciting for all ages.10:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Outdoor Solar Viewing (Weather permitting)
Weather permitting, telescopes will be set up at the entrance to the Show Me Center for solar viewing. Demonstrations of equipment and other activities are also planned.Location: Show Me Center Forecourt
Cost: Free and open to the public.
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Educational/Activity Center
An educational/activity center will be available to learn more about the science of solar eclipses and how to make the most of experiencing a solar eclipse. Indoor activities at each educational table will be offered in 30-minute sessions. To ensure a quality experience, participation at each table for a session is limited to ticket holders. Tickets are FREE for expo ticket holders must be obtained by visiting the Expo’s “Information Center”. No advance ticket purchase options are available.Location: Show Me Center Main Floor
Cost: Free to Expo Ticket Holders.
Tickets: Participation requires obtaining free tickets in advance from the "Information Center" located on the Show Me Center Main Floor.
Concessions
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Concession Area
The Show-Me-Center will have a concession area open for the convenience of Expo Ticket Holders.Location: Show Me Center Concession Area