Tri-State celestial trifecta includes solar eclipse, meteor shower and planet partyMike Shanahan, Planetarium Director at Liberty Science Center, talks more about the big day for space. Mike Shanahan, Planetarium Director at Liberty Science Center, talks more about the big day for space. NEW YORK (WABC) -- Wednesday is a big day in space as three major celestial events are happening across the eastern seaboard. The trifecta includes a total solar eclipse, a massive meteor shower and a special gathering of planets in the morning sky. Many people will remember the big solar eclipse in 2024, but the difference between a partial and total solar eclipse is the difference between night and day.