Planet Fun Store

Prepare for the Eclipse with Planet Fun!!!

There will be an annular eclipse, or “Ring of Fire”, on Saturday, October 14th, 2023. We have everything you need to view the sun safely, from eclipse glasses to telescopes and binoculars with Sun filters, at the Planet Fun Store!

Our eclipse glasses are currently on sale for $3.00 each (including sales tax). To view an eclipse safely, it's crucial to have a set of accredited glasses that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2. Looking directly at the Sun, even for just a few seconds, and even when wearing sunglasses, can cause permanent damage to the retina of the eye. This damage can even cause blindness.

Considering how wildly popular the eclipses glasses were during the 2017 total eclipse, it would be wise to get them early.

Classes on How to Photograph an Eclipse

On Saturday, September 30th, we'll have two classes here at Clark Planetarium to help you prepare.

At 10 a.m., our astrophotography expert, Tom Sevcik, will host “Photographing the Eclipse” to explain how to safely take pictures of the eclipse with a camera or smartphone.

Then, at 12 p.m., we'll show you “How to Make Your Own Solar Filter” for your telescope. We will provide you with the materials needed for a minimal cost. (This ranges from between $29.95 and $49.95, depending on scope size). Please bring your telescope, or at least the tube part, so we can make sure the filter will fit exactly.

Reservations are require for both classes, so sign up today at the links above.

Planet Fun Store now has “Sun and Moon” Telescopes for the Upcoming Eclipses!!!

With eclipses coming in October this year, and April next year it is time to get a scope that with all the Eclipse stuff you need!! We have a selection of new telescopes that come with Sun and Moon filters for safe viewing of the Eclipses and more! Our scope staff led by our expert, Tom Sevcik, are here to help select the perfect scope for you! Check these out.

Orion Versago 90mm Eclipse Plus Telescope Kit: $279.95

• Family-friendly 90mm refractor on single-arm altazimuth mount excels for effortless long-distance viewing
• Attach the included Film Solar Filter to view the sun safely - perfect for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses! This solar filter is designed and manufactured in the USA.
• 90mm (3.5") aperture and 600mm focal length telescope (f/6.7) excels for views of lunar landscape, planets, and bright deep-sky objects
• Micro-motion altitude and azimuth controls allow precise aiming, framing, and tracking of target objects
• CAUTION: never look directly at the sun, even for an instant, through a telescope without a solar filter installed that completely covers the front of the telescope.

Orion Starblast 102mm Eclipse Plus Scope Kit: $389.95

• Complete, versatile 102mm refractor telescope for daytime viewing or nighttime stargazing
• Telescope, tripod, and all accessories pack conveniently into rugged carry case for travel anywhere
• Attach the included Safety Film Solar Filter to view the Sun safely - perfect for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses! This solar filter is designed and manufactured in the USA
• Sturdy stainless steel tripod with pan head is a cut WAY above what normally comes standard with beginning-level telescopes
• CAUTION: Never look directly at the Sun, even for an instant, through a telescope without a solar filter installed that completely covers the front of the telescope

Orion Spaceprobe 130ST Equatorial Eclipse Plus
Telescope Kit: $429.95 

• This 5.1" aperture reflector telescope with parabolic primary mirror includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) and gathers an ample amount of light for great views of the planets and Moon, as well as brighter galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters
• Attach the included Film Solar Filter to view the sun safely - perfect for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses! This solar filter is designed and manufactured in the USA.
• Compact steel optical tube design for easy portability and fast f/5 focal ratio for pleasing wide-field performance makes the SpaceProbe 130ST EQ a very versatile telescope the whole family can enjoy
•  Sturdy equatorial telescope mount and adjustable steel tripod legs allows manual slow-motion tracking of celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky. Complete assembled weight of 28 lbs.
• As a bonus, also included are the MoonMap 260, DeepMap 600, and a smartphone photo adapter. A $40+ value!

Coronado Personal Solar Telescope: $899.95

• The most affordable (and compact!) of all the Coronado hydrogen-alpha telescopes, ideal for viewing dramatic prominences rising off the edge of the solar disk
• Capable of seeing an array of other beautiful solar phenomena, including flares, filaments, pages, and surface granulation
• Internal etalon filter transmits only hydrogen-alpha light at 6562.8 Angstroms (Å), with a bandpass of <1.0 Å for spectacular views of our closest star
• Weighs only 3 lbs. and includes a 1/4"-20 threaded mounting socket, so the PST can attach to even a small photo tripod
• Includes a built-in solar viewfinder, making it quick and easy to locate and center the sun in the field of view of the 18mm CEMAX eyepiece

Meet our telescope expert: Tom Sevcik

Tom is Clark Planetarium's telescope sales specialist. He has been building and using telescopes for more than 50 years. Tom is the past vice president of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society, and an active member of the club. He teaches classes on astrophotography at places like Great Basin National Park and Antelope Island. He is especially knowledgeable with the new generation of computer-guided telescopes, many of which we sell here at Clark Planetarium.

You can chat with Tom by calling the Planet Fun Store at 385-468-1264. 

Planet Fun has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for educational toys and games, or star books and telescopes, our store has unique products the whole family can enjoy.