Ready to see the total solar eclipse? This city offers the best view in Pennsylvania

Matt DiSanto
·6 min read

For the first time in seven years and perhaps the final time for a few decades, a rare astronomical event will briefly darken the sky for millions of Americans next month.

A total solar eclipse will cross much of North America throughout the day Monday, April 8, NASA reports. Pennsylvanians in the Keystone State’s northwestern region should get a glimpse of the best view as the moon briefly blocks the sun’s light in full.

The best views are found along its path of totality, better known as the course the moon’s shadow takes during a total solar eclipse. NASA expects April’s solar eclipse to begin over the South Pacific Ocean and move up through North America and across the U.S. before briefly passing through Canada and exiting the continent through the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland.

The best place to catch the path of totality in the Keystone State is likely Erie, nestled along the Great Lake of the same name in northwestern Pennsylvania. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip to the area for April 8’s eclipse.

Catching the best of April 8’s eclipse in Pennsylvania

You might need to travel to find the best view, but most Pennsylvanians should have good opportunities to see this year’s total solar eclipse.

The eclipse’s path of totality will move across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Canadian locales like Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton should wind up in the path of totality, too.

The latest projections from NASA expect the path of totality to cross over Erie and the northwestern edge of Pennsylvania between roughly 3:15 and 3:20 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Maximum obscuration in the area is anticipated at roughly 3:18 p.m., while partial obscuration — or the time when any part of the sun is blocked by the moon — should stretch from about 2:02 to 4:30 p.m.

While the Erie area lies in the path of totality, other parts of Pennsylvania should still have a great view of the eclipse. NASA projects obscuration of at least roughly 95% in Pittsburgh, State College and much of central Pennsylvania, while that rate lowers to about 90% in eastern Pennsylvania near Philadelphia.

Partial obscuration is expected to begin in State College around roughly 2:04 p.m. before reaching its maximum at about 3:20 p.m. and concluding entirely by approximately 4:32 p.m., according to eclipse estimates.

Getting as close to the projected path of totality as possible will provide a better view of the eclipse, NASA says. Lines on the following map provided by the agency indicate roughly how much of the sun’s surface should be covered by the moon during the eclipse’s duration, ranging from about 95% to roughly 10%.

April 8’s total solar eclipse will completely block the sun’s light and create a 115-mile-wide “path of totality” across much of the U.S. Those outside the path will see a partial solar eclipse.
April 8’s total solar eclipse will completely block the sun’s light and create a 115-mile-wide “path of totality” across much of the U.S. Those outside the path will see a partial solar eclipse.

You can browse maps and projections of the eclipse’s path through NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio by visiting svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/5123.

Total eclipse in Erie

As arguably the biggest Pennsylvania destination in the path of totality, Erie expects plenty of visitors around April 8 to view the eclipse. Officials anticipate anywhere between roughly 56,000 and 200,000 visitors to travel to the area for the occasion, according to the Erie government’s website.

VisitErie, the area’s official tourism and marketing bureau, has assembled a comprehensive online guide covering everything from totality timelines for local destinations to the best viewing locations and more. You can find it online at visiterie.com/eclipseerie-2024.

To get started, check out the interactive map below to find scenic lookouts, public events and parking locations ahead of April 8’s eclipse. Each featured viewing area can host at least 250 people, but not all parks and destinations offer amenities like public restrooms or seating.

Some of the area’s event highlights include special offerings at the Erie Zoo, themed lectures and activities at Mercyhurst University and an eclipse viewing celebration at Lake Erie Speedway with a capacity for around 5,000 guests.

The following times of totality are predicted for select locations in the Erie area, according to NASA:

  • Downtown Erie will receive roughly 3 minutes and 41 seconds of totality between about 3:16 and 3:20 p.m.

  • Corry will observe about 2 minutes and 50 seconds of totality from about 3:17 to 3:20 p.m.

  • Edinboro will see about 3 minutes and 19 seconds of totality between about 3:16 and 3:19 p.m.

  • North East borough will receive about 3 minutes and 40 seconds of totality between approximately 3:16 and 3:20 p.m.

  • Lake City will observe roughly 3 minutes and 42 seconds of totality between about 3:15 and 3:19 p.m.

  • Waterford will see approximately 3 minutes and 19 seconds of totality between 3:16 and 3:19 p.m.

Those who hope to safely look at the eclipse must wear proper eye protection to avoid severe injury, NASA warns. VisitErie will distribute eclipse viewing glasses for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations:

  • I-90 Pennsylvania Welcome Center (at the Pennsylvania/New York border) from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 5-8

  • I-79 rest stop (near Edinboro, northbound) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5-7 and 8 a.m. to noon April 8

  • Erie Visitor Center at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 6-7 and 8 a.m. to noon April 8

VisitErie says it has already distributed complimentary eclipse glasses to select Erie area hotels and accommodations. Eclipse glasses will also be available for free with every purchase at Country Fair stores throughout northwestern Pennsylvania starting March 25, the bureau says.

The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority will run a free shuttle servicing the Intermodal Transporation Center (at 209 E. Bayfront Parkway) and several stops throughout downtown Erie, according to the city government. Heavy traffic is expected in the area as visitors make their way to Erie.

What is a total solar eclipse?

Generally, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, projecting a shadow back on the Earth’s surface. These shadows can briefly block out the sun’s rays for a brief time.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, if the path is positioned precisely, completely blocks out the face of the sun for those back on Earth who are located in the center of the moon’s shadow. Partial solar eclipses are much more common and occur when the sun, moon and Earth are not completely aligned.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse can darken the sky “as if it were dawn or dusk.”

The path of totality provides the best view — so much so that it is safe to briefly look at the eclipse without eye protection while the moon completely blocks the sun’s light for a few minutes.

Though one was visible in the U.S. in 2017, total solar eclipses are rare. Another is not expected to be visible from American soil until August 2044.

Remember you must take precautions to avoid severe eye injury if you plan to view the eclipse — even if you look through a camera lens or a pair of binoculars. You can find recommended eclipse glasses at a generally inexpensive price online, browse recommended vendors through a list provided by the American Astronomical Society or even craft a pair at home.