The eclipse will not be visible from the United States, so the science museum will supply a webcast from the Xinjiang Province near the Mongolian border of northwestern China.
People are invited to visit the Exploratorium during the eclipse, which will occur at 4:09 a.m. Friday. Astronomers will be on hand and the event will include music, food and tea and coffee.
Doors will open at 9 p.m. tonight and there will be rest areas for people who want to bring sleeping bags and relax before the eclipse begins.
There is no additional fee beyond the regular general admission price, but space is limited and museum officials suggest reserving space online at www.ticketweb.com.
Those who can't make it in person but don't want to miss out can watch the webcast on the Exploratorium's Web site at www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/2008.
