Capture the magic of the 2024 Solar Eclipse with this unique coloring page! Not only does this special design allow kids to express their creativity, it also serves as a keepsake to record their memories of this rare celestial event. From jotting down where they were and what they learned to recording the weather and their age, this coloring page doubles as a fun and educational activity that they’ll cherish for years to come. Download now and make memories that shine as bright as the sun! Make sure you have your solar eclipse glasses ready to go for this special day.

colored solar eclipse coloring page

The 2024 Solar Eclipse on April 8th is an incredible event where the Moon lines up perfectly with the Sun in outer space! This rare event happens as part of our solar system’s natural movements. The total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The path of totality will stretch from Texas to Maine in the United States. In the U.S., hundreds of cities and small towns in 13 states lie along the path of totality, while others will experience a partial eclipse. It’s a chance to see something amazing in the sky!

Solar Eclipse Map Visual

2024 Solar Eclipse Coloring Page

If you want a special exciting hands-on way to remember the day just download the PDF, print and fill it out! Print on cardstock if you want it to be more durable.

solar eclipse coloring page two kids and dog wearing special glasses looking at the sun and moon
Solar Eclipse Coloring Page

Solar Eclipse Facts

What is a solar Eclipse?

Here is a very quick lesson. A solar eclipse is when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, creating a shadow on the Earth. This happens when the Moon lines up perfectly with the Sun and the Earth. Depending on where you are, it can look like the Moon is taking a bite out of the Sun or covering it completely. It’s like a temporary darkening of the sky during the day, which is pretty cool to see! You can learn more at NASA about this awe-inspiring event!

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

A solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse are both fascinating astronomical events, but they happen in different ways and involve different celestial bodies.

Solar Eclipse:
Occurs when the Moon blocks the Sun’s light from reaching Earth.
Happens during the daytime.
Types: total (full coverage), partial (partial coverage), annular (ring of sunlight).

Lunar Eclipse:
Occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.
Happens during the nighttime.
Types: total (full coverage), partial (partial coverage), penumbral (subtle darkening).

The main difference is which celestial body is blocking light: the Moon during a solar eclipse, and Earth’s shadow during a lunar eclipse.

What are some fun facts about solar eclipses for kids?

Eclipses show us parts of the Sun’s atmosphere that are usually too dim to see. This helps scientists learn more about our Sun.

Albert Einstein had a smart idea about gravity bending light. He called it ‘general relativity.’ In 1919, during a solar eclipse, scientists saw stars move near the Sun, proving Einstein’s idea right! This discovery was a big deal for understanding how gravity works in space!

Eclipses can make the weather feel a little strange because the Sun’s light suddenly changes. It might get cooler or windier during an eclipse.

Long ago, people thought eclipses were signs of something important happening. They shared stories about them in their myths and legends.

Eclipses can only be seen from certain places on Earth. If you’re not in the right spot, you might see a different kind of eclipse or just a small part of it.

Artists and writers have always been fascinated by eclipses and often include them in their artwork and stories.

Sometimes, animals get confused during an eclipse. They might think it’s nighttime and start acting differently.

What color is a total eclipse?

During a total solar eclipse, the sky can appear dark, almost like nighttime.

When is the next Solar Eclipse?

2017 Solar Eclipse Coloring Pages

The total solar eclipse of 2017 occurred on August 21st. The best places to view it were along a narrow path of totality that stretched from the west coast of the United States to the east coast, passing through states like Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. These locations offered the longest duration of totality and the clearest views of the eclipse.

We made a huge deal out of the Solar Eclipse at our house. This was a must since we were on the direct path. We only had to travel less than an hour to be in total darkness.  We took time to plan our trip and do a bit of research. Here is what we know about the Solar Eclipse. We have learned some great information and found some cool maps.

solar eclipse graphic organizer
2017 Solar Eclipse Kid’s Questionnaire Worksheet (aka the Eclipse Graphic Organizer)

I didn’t know what to call this coloring page. Maybe an Eclipse Memory Page or the 2017 Solar Eclipse Time Capsule Questionnaire?  However, I asked a few teacher friends and they took one look and said it was an Eclipse Graphic Organizer.  I have never even heard of a graphic organizer. Who knew?  I just think it is the cutest and can’t wait to see what they will always remember about this special event.

Here is one more eclipse coloring page that will keep your kids busy in the car if you are traveling to see this very special event!

solar eclipse coloring page
2017 Solar Eclipse Coloring Page – Cartoon Characters Looking at the Position of the Moon

More Unique Coloring Pages

I hope you find these free resources helpful! I am on a mission to celebrate special days!

and of course, we have loads of free coloring pages.

Supplies for Solar Eclipse Coloring Pages

Related: If you are traveling and need more fun activities to keep your kids busy in the car you might love these Would You Rather Questions and these 50 Hilarious Kid’s Jokes.

Signup for Free!
Let me send you my very best ideas, free printables, inspiration and exclusive content every week!

I would love to keep you fully stocked with creative ideas, yummy recipes, fun crafts, and loads of free printables. Subscribe to Skip to my Lou to get new ideas delivered to your inbox. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram for all my latest updates.


About Cindy Hopper

Learn More

you may also like

Comments

  1. Hello, Carisa I have clarified the best place to see the eclipse. The Farmer’s Almanac says the top 5 Cities for Watching the Eclipse are:

    Nazas, Durango, Mexico (The LONGEST point of TOTALITY!)
    Kerrville, Texas
    Cape Girardeau, Missouri
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Cleveland, Ohio

  2. This is NOT the path of the April 8, 2024 eclipse. “For the best spots, go to places along the eclipse path, from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic Southeast. It’s a chance to see something amazing in the sky!”

  3. Cindy in an amazing woman! I had asked if she could update her 2017 solar eclipse pages for the 2024 solar eclipse. She did this and sent me updated copies we can use at our science center. Thank you Cindy.

  4. I just updated the printable 2024 Solar Coloring Page. I hope you love it and it helps you record this special event.

  5. Missy did you have adobe acrobat reader? It allows you to download the file and print the pdf.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *