Stop by the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Pachyderm Plaza (just outside the Elephant Community Center) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 21 to view the solar eclipse through a safe solar telescope and to pick up free safe eclipse glasses (while supplies last) provided by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

About the Upcoming Solar Eclipse

This solar eclipse will be visible from the entire United States! Observers located in Washington, D.C., will see a partial eclipse, with the moon blocking up to 82 percent of the sun. The eclipse will be visible in Washington, D.C., from 1:17 p.m. to 4:01 p.m. EDT, with maximum eclipse at 2:42 p.m. EDT. Throughout this time period, visitors will be able to observe the moon gradually moving across the face of the sun and blocking a portion of its light.

Check out additional Smithsonian eclipse programming here.