SEclipse 2024
Continue to main contentOn April 8, 2024, Cape Girardeau will be in the path of a total solar eclipse for the second time in seven years. SEMO will be the place to view this spectacular natural phenomenon and to celebrate the closing of SEMO's sesquicentennial year. Come celebrate with us.
Cape Girardeau is near the eclipse centerline and will experience totality (darkness as the moon passes in front of the sun) for more than four minutes starting at 1:58:22 p.m. (CDT). Eclipse viewing locations will be available on Normal Avenue and the River Campus.
In addition to the eclipse, Southeast has an afternoon of activities planned on campus for students, campus, and our SEMO alumni. Join us for entertainment, food, and an overall SEMO experience.
- Matt McSavaney: Lead with the Artemis Moon to Mars Program Office, bringing over 20 months of expertise and a background in physics and astrophysics.
- Blake Parker: Payload operations specialist with a decade of experience in developing procedures for International Space Station experiments.
SEclipse University Block Party
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Location: Normal Avenue, SEMO Campus
Upcoming Solar Eclipse
2024 SEclipse
Cape Girardeau has been home to prime viewing for solar eclipses twice in the last seven years. Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri Eclipse Taskforce collaborated to host the Missouri Solar Eclipse Expo in 2023. Take a look at the webpage to learn more about Missouri's recent history and more about what a solar eclipse really means.
Events Open to the Community
Artistic Eclipse Viewing at River Campus
The greater community is invited to enjoy live performances by music, theatre, and dance students from the Holland College of Arts and Media. Experience exhibitions, interactive activities, food trucks, photo booths, jewelry making, and more.
Cape Girardeau Regional Events
Interested in eclipse viewing but not part of the SEMO community? Cape Girardeau is hosting several events for those traveling to the area to witness the solar eclipse.- The City of Cape Girardeau is hosting a community-wide event, with music, food vendors, children's activities, and giveaways. More details on their event can be found at the Visit Cape Eclipse website.
- The City of Jackson is hosting a See the Eclipse in Jackson event. Multiple watch parties will be held around the City, including at the Jackson Civic Center, Brookside Park and on High Street in Uptown Jackson. All watch parties will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature live music, food trucks and other activities.
- Old Town Cape is hosting a Solar Eclipse Block Party. The event is at the Cape Riverfront Market lot, 35 S. Spanish St. and will include live music performance from Spacers and enjoy food from a diverse selection of food vendors. Free glasses will be handed out.
2017 Total Solar Eclipse
Looking Back
Safety First:
While the eclipse promises to be a mesmerizing sight, it's essential to prioritize safety. Viewing a partial eclipse requires special solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. Once the eclipse reaches totality, you can safely remove the glasses to witness the awe-inspiring moment. Southeast will provide a limited number of solar glasses at our viewing events for the campus community, ensuring everyone can enjoy the eclipse responsibly.
We encourage everyone in the SEMO community to come together for this unique event. Whether you're a student, alumni, faculty member, or local resident, there's something for everyone at the SEclipse Block Party. Let's celebrate this celestial event and create lasting memories together.