The Spectacle of April 8’s Eclipse: A Guide for Pennsylvania Residents

The anticipation surrounding April 8 is palpable, and for a good reason. On this day, a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of the United States, offering a breathtaking spectacle for those in its path. Pennsylvania, with its diverse cities and towns, will be treated to this celestial event, though the experience will vary depending on your exact location. When can you see April 8’s eclipse in your area? We rounded up times for 20 PA locations to ensure that you are in the right place at the right time to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon.

Understanding the Solar Eclipse: A Celestial Dance

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on our planet and temporarily blocking the Sun’s light. The result is a stunning display where day briefly turns to night, and the Sun’s corona—a halo of plasma that is usually obscured by the brightness of the Sun—becomes visible. The April 8 eclipse is especially significant because it is a total solar eclipse, meaning that the Sun will be completely covered by the Moon in certain areas, creating a dramatic and unforgettable sight.

Why April 8 is Special

April 8, 2024, marks the next occurrence of a total solar eclipse, and it promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many. The path of totality—the area where the eclipse will be total—will stretch across the United States, from Texas to Maine, crossing over several states including Pennsylvania. In the Keystone State, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to witness the eclipse, though the extent of the eclipse will differ based on their location.

Eclipse Viewing Times Across Pennsylvania

With a state as geographically varied as Pennsylvania, it’s important to know When can you see April 8’s eclipse in your area? We rounded up times for 20 PA locations to help you plan your eclipse-viewing experience. The following guide provides the start and end times for both the partial and total phases of the eclipse in 20 different cities and towns across Pennsylvania.

1. Philadelphia

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:21 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:42 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:45 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:02 PM

In Philadelphia, the total eclipse will be visible for a brief three minutes, but the entire event will last for nearly three hours, starting in the early afternoon.

2. Pittsburgh

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:25 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:43 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:46 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:05 PM

Pittsburgh residents will also experience the eclipse in its entirety, with totality occurring shortly after 2:40 PM and lasting for approximately three minutes.

3. Allentown

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:22 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:41 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:44 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:01 PM

In Allentown, the eclipse will follow a similar timeline, with the total eclipse phase providing a brief but stunning show in the early afternoon.

4. Erie

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:27 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:45 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:48 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:08 PM

Residents of Erie can look forward to nearly three minutes of totality, beginning at 2:45 PM, with the partial eclipse stretching into the late afternoon.

5. Scranton

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:20 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:39 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:42 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:00 PM

In Scranton, the total eclipse will start just before 2:40 PM, providing a dramatic moment of darkness in the early afternoon.

6. Harrisburg

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:23 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:40 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:43 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:02 PM

Harrisburg’s total eclipse will commence at 2:40 PM, with the full event lasting until just after 4:00 PM.

7. Lancaster

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:22 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:41 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:44 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:01 PM

Lancaster residents will witness the total eclipse at 2:41 PM, with the partial eclipse bookending this spectacular event.

8. York

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:24 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:42 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:45 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:03 PM

York’s eclipse experience will peak at 2:42 PM, offering a few minutes of total darkness before the partial eclipse concludes just after 4:00 PM.

9. Reading

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:22 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:41 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:44 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:01 PM

The city of Reading will see the total eclipse begin at 2:41 PM, with the entire event wrapping up by 4:01 PM.

10. Bethlehem

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:22 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:40 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:43 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:00 PM

In Bethlehem, the total eclipse will be visible at 2:40 PM, providing residents with a brief yet memorable view of this cosmic event.

11. Altoona

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:26 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:43 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:46 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:04 PM

Altoona will experience the total eclipse at 2:43 PM, with the event extending into the mid-afternoon.

12. State College

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:25 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:42 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:45 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:03 PM

In State College, the total eclipse will occur at 2:42 PM, with the partial eclipse continuing until just after 4:00 PM.

13. Wilkes-Barre

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:20 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:39 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:42 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 3:59 PM

Wilkes-Barre residents will see the total eclipse at 2:39 PM, with the partial eclipse lasting until just before 4:00 PM.

14. Williamsport

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:23 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:41 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:44 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:01 PM

Williamsport’s total eclipse will begin at 2:41 PM, with the entire event lasting until just after 4:00 PM.

15. Easton

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:22 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:40 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:43 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:00 PM

In Easton, the total eclipse will be visible at 2:40 PM, providing a brief but unforgettable moment in the early afternoon.

16. Chester

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:21 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:42 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:45 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:02 PM

Chester will experience the total eclipse at 2:42 PM, with the event continuing until just after 4:00 PM.

17. Carlisle

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:24 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:42 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:45 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:03 PM

Carlisle’s total eclipse will occur at 2:42 PM, with the partial eclipse extending into the mid-afternoon.

18. Lebanon

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:23 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:41 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:44 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:01 PM

Lebanon residents will witness the total eclipse at 2:41 PM, with the entire event concluding by 4:01 PM.

19. Chambersburg

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:25 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:43 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:46 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:03 PM

In Chambersburg, the total eclipse will begin at 2:43 PM, with the partial eclipse wrapping up shortly after 4:00 PM.

20. Hanover

Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:24 PM
Start of Total Eclipse: 2:42 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 2:45 PM
End of Partial Eclipse: 4:02 PM

Finally, Hanover will see the total eclipse at 2:42 PM, with the event stretching into the early afternoon.

Maximizing Your Eclipse Experience

The April 8 eclipse promises to be a remarkable event, but preparation is key to making the most of it. Here are a few tips to ensure you have an unforgettable experience:

Get the Right Gear: Viewing a solar eclipse safely requires proper eye protection. Eclipse glasses or a solar viewer are essential for watching the event without damaging your eyes. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for viewing the Sun.
Choose Your Spot Wisely: Depending on your location, you may want to find a spot with a clear view of the horizon. Urban areas with tall buildings may obstruct your view, so consider heading to a more open area, such as a park or a hilltop, to get the best view.
Plan Ahead: Traffic and crowds are likely on the day of the eclipse, especially in areas within the path of totality. Plan to arrive at your chosen viewing location early to secure a good spot.
Be Weather Aware: Cloud cover can impact your ability to see the eclipse, so keep an eye on the weather forecast as the day approaches. If necessary, be prepared to travel to a nearby location with clearer skies.
Capture the Moment: If you’re planning to photograph the eclipse, make sure you have the right equipment. A camera with a solar filter is a must for capturing the Sun without damaging your camera’s sensor.

Why This Eclipse is a Must-See

While solar eclipses are not rare, a total solar eclipse visible from a wide swath of the United States is a special event. The next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. will not occur until August 23, 2044, making the April 8, 2024, eclipse a once-in-a-generation opportunity for many. The experience of witnessing the Moon completely cover the Sun, turning day into night, is one that leaves a lasting impression.

Eclipse Myths and Legends

Throughout history, solar eclipses have been surrounded by myths and legends, often viewed as omens or signs from the gods. In ancient China, it was believed that a solar eclipse was caused by a dragon devouring the Sun, and people would bang drums and pots to scare the dragon away. Similarly, in Norse mythology, the eclipse was seen as the wolf Skoll chasing and eventually catching the Sun.

In many cultures, eclipses were seen as harbingers of significant events, such as the death of a ruler or the onset of natural disasters. While we now understand the science behind solar eclipses, these myths and stories add a layer of cultural significance to the event, reminding us of the awe and wonder that celestial events have inspired throughout human history.

Conclusion: Be Part of History

April 8, 2024, is a date that should be marked on every calendar. Whether you’re in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or any of the other locations mentioned, knowing When can you see April 8’s eclipse in your area? We rounded up times for 20 PA locations to make sure you don’t miss out on this extraordinary event. Prepare, plan, and get ready to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays. This is more than just a solar eclipse; it’s an opportunity to connect with the universe in a profound way, to share in a collective experience that will be remembered for years to come.