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Museum · Sobral, CE
Museum of the Eclipse
Museum at Praça do Patrocínio, where the May 29, 1919 eclipse was observed that helped confirm Einstein’s theory of relativity. It houses a telescope used in the observation, original photos and documents.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museum of the Eclipse
The Eclipse Museum is located at Praça do Patrocínio, in downtown Sobral, on the very spot where, on May 29, 1919, a British expedition set up telescopes and cameras to photograph a total solar eclipse. The museum opened on May 29, 1999, on the 80th anniversary of the observation, and was renovated with support from IPHAN.
The expedition wanted to measure the positions of stars near the Sun, visible only during the eclipse. If general relativity were correct, their light would appear deflected by the Sun’s gravity. Shortly before the eclipse, clouds threatened the work, but the sky cleared in time. The plates from Sobral, compared with those from São Tomé and Príncipe off the coast of Africa, confirmed Einstein’s prediction.
The collection includes a telescope used in the observation, original photographs from the expedition and a copy of the newspaper that reported the result. The museum has an area for astronomical observation and usually offers special programming on May 29.
In the square, next to the Church of Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio, a monument marks the observation site. The visit pairs well with a walk through the historic center, which starts right there.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, when the heat is lower and it’s easier to combine the visit with the historic center. On May 29, the anniversary of the observation, there is usually special programming. Check opening hours before visiting.
How to get there
The museum is at Praça do Patrocínio in downtown Sobral, near the Cathedral and Theatro São João; the walk from downtown hotels is short. From the bus station it’s a few minutes by taxi.
Tip
Combine the visit with the observation landmark in the same square and with the historic center. Ask about sky‑watching sessions when they are offered.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museum of the Eclipse
What is in the Sobral Eclipse Museum?
A telescope used in the 1919 observation, original photographs from the expedition, a copy of the newspaper that reported the result, and panels about the eclipse and the theory of relativity.
Why was the 1919 eclipse observed in Sobral?
Because Sobral lay within the path where the May 29, 1919 eclipse would be total. One of the British expeditions went there; the other went to Príncipe Island off the coast of Africa.
Where is the Eclipse Museum located?
At Praça do Patrocínio in central Sobral, at the same site where the 1919 observation took place.