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The April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in PA | A Viewers’ Guide

This collage features four images related to the 2024 total solar eclipse visible in Pennsylvania. The top left image is a map highlighting the path of the eclipse across Pennsylvania with a prominent arrow indicating the direction of the moon's shadow. The top right image shows a partial phase of the eclipse with the moon covering a significant portion of the sun. The bottom left is a dramatic photograph of the total eclipse, where the moon completely obscures the sun, leaving only the glowing corona visible around a black circle. The bottom right image captures the excitement of the event with a group of people, including children wearing protective eclipse glasses, looking up at the sky in anticipation and awe.

As the calendar turns to April 2024, astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike are gearing up for a spectacular celestial event: a total solar eclipse in PA!

A striking image capturing the moment of a total solar eclipse, with the moon almost completely covering the sun. A radiant burst of sunlight emerges from the side, creating a brilliant diamond ring effect against the dark backdrop of space. The corona of the sun is faintly visible, with rays of light stretching outward. — The solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, photographed by my friend and frequent hiking partner Steve Rubano.

Set to occur on the afternoon of Monday, April 8, this rare occurrence will see the moon passing directly between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that will sweep across North America from the Southwest to the Northeast.

Among the fortunate regions in the “path of totality” is a portion of northwest Pennsylvania encompassing Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Mercer counties, which will find itself under the moon’s shadow, offering residents and visitors a front-row seat to this astronomical phenomenon.

A map showing the path of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse across Pennsylvania. A large black arrow points to a line traversing the state, indicating the eclipse's path. — The “path of totality” is shaded in the upper left hand corner of the map.

As the moon aligns with the sun, it will gradually obscure the sun’s light, plunging the afternoon sky into darkness for nearly four minutes.

An image of a partial solar eclipse captured against a dark sky. The moon is seen covering a significant portion of the sun, leaving a bright crescent shape visible. The silhouette of the moon against the sun provides a stark contrast between the bright illuminated edge and the dark lunar surface. — A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks part of the sun’s bright face.

To fully witness the sun being completely enveloped by the moon, one must be situated in the path of totality.

However, the rest of Pennsylvania will still enjoy a significant partial eclipse, with up to 90 percent of the sun’s surface being covered.

The Great American Eclipse in 2017, photographed in North Carolina by Steve Rubano. — The Sun taking on the appearance of a crescent moon during the Great American Eclipse in 2017.

Preparing to Watch the Solar Eclipse

This 2024 total solar eclipse promises excellent viewing opportunities across the state, provided the weather cooperates.

Safety, however, should be a top priority for all eclipse watchers.

A group of people are outside on a sunny day, looking skyward with special eclipse glasses to safely view the solar eclipse. They are a mix of men and women, dressed in casual and business casual attire, indicating a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. One man in the foreground is wearing a light blue shirt with a name badge from MSFC, suggesting a connection to a scientific or technical organization. The expressions on their faces are ones of curiosity and awe as they experience the rare astronomical event. — It is not safe to look directly at the sun with the naked eye or any kind of standard sunglasses during the eclipse. Photo credit: NASA.

Specialized eclipse glasses or viewers are essential for safe viewing, as regular sunglasses or unfiltered cameras will not offer adequate protection.

Display stand of Vision Scientific eclipse glasses priced at $1.84, with a packaging label 'Total Eclipse Across America: April 8, 2024'. A map of the United States on the stand highlights the total solar eclipse path with a red line and a shaded area indicating the percent of coverage. The stand also features a caption 'Be Prepared for One of Nature’s Greatest Events!' — “Eclipse glasses” were available at my local Walmart in State College as of February 2024.

Given the rarity of such events and the expansive coverage of this eclipse, large crowds are expected to gather in prime viewing locations.

A group of people gathered outdoors on rocky terrain, preparing to view a solar eclipse. Many in the crowd are seated, looking towards the sky with eclipse glasses in place, while others are standing, some with cameras ready to capture the event. There's an air of anticipation as they wait for the celestial phenomenon. The scene is bathed in warm sunlight, suggesting it may be late afternoon. Trees and clear blue skies provide a serene backdrop to this communal viewing experience, indicative of the excitement surrounding the 2024 total solar eclipse visible in Pennsylvania. — Expect large crowds at popular state parks in the path of totality. Photo credit: NASA.

Those planning to witness the event are advised to arrive early and be prepared for traffic delays and crowded viewing areas.

A diverse group of individuals gathers outside a large industrial building, with many looking upwards towards the sky. The gathering includes people of various ages and attire, some using special eclipse glasses and others using makeshift devices to safely observe the solar eclipse. A few individuals are holding up cameras and smartphones to capture the moment. The weather is partly cloudy, with ample daylight illuminating the scene, which captures the communal excitement for the 2024 total solar eclipse visible in Pennsylvania. — Expect heavy traffic and long waits on roadways before and after the eclipse.

The eclipse is set to begin around 2:00 P.M., with the total eclipse phase occurring approximately between 3:15 P.M. and 3:20 P.M.

A captivating image of the total solar eclipse, with the moon completely covering the sun, creating a breathtaking corona effect. Rays of sunlight are emanating from the edges of the moon's silhouette, illuminating the surrounding darkness of space. A small red prominence is visible at the edge of the sun's corona. — On average, the same spot on Earth only gets to see a solar eclipse for a few minutes every 375 years!

This brief window is when the magic happens, as the moon fully obscures the sun for a maximum duration of three minutes and 47 seconds.

A striking image of the 2024 total solar eclipse as seen from Pennsylvania, showcasing the phenomenon where the Moon completely covers the Sun, leaving only the glowing solar corona visible. Small pinkish solar prominences can be seen around the edge of the silhouette. The background is predominantly dark, highlighting the eclipse's dramatic contrast. — Solar eclipses have evoked both fear and awe through the ages, as the sun appears to be swallowed whole by a black abyss.

The entire event is expected to conclude by 4:30 P.M.

Photograph capturing the dramatic climax of a total solar eclipse, with the sun's radiant corona visible around the silhouette of the moon. A bright flare of light, known as the 'diamond ring effect,' is vividly seen as the sun begins to reemerge. The darkness of space in the background highlights the sun's brilliant halo and the thin stream of light piercing through. — The solar eclipse is among the most spectacular of celestial events.

Final Thoughts

With the next total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States not expected until 2044, the April 2024 eclipse presents a unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays!

A group of excited children and adults wearing protective eclipse glasses looking up at the sky during the 2024 total solar eclipse, with one man pointing upwards, indicating the event. They are outdoors, gathered in a public viewing area with a modern building in the background, under clear blue skies. — After April 8, 2024, the next solar eclipse to cross the continental United States won’t be until August 23, 2044. Photo credit: NASA.

Special thanks to my friend, frequent hiking partner, and celestial photographer extraordinaire Steve Rubano for allowing me to use some of his photos from the 2017 Great American Eclipse to illustrate what the 2024 version has the potential to be like.

Collage of images featuring photographer Steve Rubano. — Regular readers of my blog will recognize Steve Rubano from many of my hiking adventures.

Steve’s talent for photographing the cosmos is outstanding, and I greatly appreciate his contributions to this article.

The Andromeda Galaxy, photographed by Steve Rubano.

Presque Isle State Park lies entirely within the “path of totality”, and is likely to be one of the busiest places to watch the eclipse in PA.

The best things to see and do at Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. — Presque Isle State Park will be plunged into total darkness during the eclipse.

Spots like Bicentennial Tower in Erie are likely to be quite popular as well.

Bicentennial Tower at dusk on Dobbins Landing in Erie Pennsylvania. — Bicentennial Tower in Erie.

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