When can you see April 8’s eclipse in your area? We rounded up times for 20 PA locations

Matt DiSanto
·6 min read
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At long last, the much anticipated total solar eclipse is almost here. Nearly 32 million Americans are estimated to reside in optimal viewing areas for April 8’s eclipse, but many more can see a partial view from their own backyards.

The best views are found along its path of totality, better known as the courses the moon’s shadow takes during a total solar eclipse. April 8’s eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean before moving up through North America and across the U.S., eventually passing through Canada and exiting the continent through the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland.

Many states, including Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio and even Pennsylvania, will see the path of totality cross their borders April 8, but you can see a partial view of the eclipse from all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Here’s when you’ll need to step outside Monday if you hope to see the eclipse at its peak in your area.

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse over Pennsylvania?

Thanks to the eclipse’s path, most of Pennsylvania should see at least roughly 90% of the sun’s surface obscured by the moon Monday afternoon. However, the exact timing may vary from place to place.

Undoubtedly, the best place to see April 8’s eclipse in the Keystone State is in northwestern Pennsylvania, where the path of totality will cross Monday afternoon. Erie is likely the biggest draw for eclipse fans, as the city will welcome thousands of visitors for the rare astronomical event.

The latest projections from NASA expect the path of totality to cross over Erie between 3:15 and 3:20 p.m. April 8. Maximum obscuration will arrive at 3:18 p.m., while partial obscuration in the area — when any part of the sun is blocked by the moon — will stretch from 2:02 to 4:30 p.m.

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. NASA Scientific Visualization Studio
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. NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Here’s a look at important times to keep in mind if you hope to see April 8’s eclipse in some other Pennsylvania cities, according to the online global clock Time and Date:

  • Partial obscuration in Philadelphia will stretch from 2:08 to 4:35 p.m. with a peak at 3:23 p.m. The eclipse will block out roughly 90% of the sun’s surface area.

  • Pittsburgh will see partial obscuration from 2 to 4:30 p.m. with a peak at 3:17 p.m. The area’s obscuration will peak at about 97.1%.

  • Viewers in Reading will see obscuration peak at 3:22 p.m. as partial obscuration stretches from 2:07 to 4:34 p.m. Roughly 92% of the sun’s surface area will be blocked.

  • Partial obscuration in Harrisburg will run from 2:05 to 4:33 p.m. with a peak at 3:21 p.m. Pennsylvania’s capital will see obscuration peak at 92.9%.

  • Allentown’s partial obscuration will start at 2:08 p.m. and wrap up around 4:35 p.m. with a peak at 3:23 p.m. The eclipse will block out around 92.3% of the sun’s surface area.

  • Those watching the eclipse in Altoona will see partial obscuration stretch from 2:03 to 4:32 p.m. with a peak at 3:19 p.m. Obscuration will max out at around 95.4%.

  • Scranton will observe partial obscuration from 2:08 to 4:35 p.m. Obscuration will peak at roughly 94.9% at 3:23 p.m.

  • Partial obscuration in Williamsport will run from 2:06 to 4:33 p.m. and peak at 3:21 p.m. The eclipse will block out nearly 96% of the sun’s surface area.

  • Lancaster’s partial obscuration will begin at 2:06 p.m. before wrapping up at 4:34 p.m. Obscuration will peak at roughly 91.6% at 3:22 p.m.

Eclipse times for the Centre County area

Those who hope to see the eclipse from the State College area should have a great view. Obscuration in central Pennsylvania will tap out at around 95% Monday afternoon.

Here’s a look at key times for the eclipse in and around Centre County:

  • State College will see partial obscuration begin at 2:04 p.m. and end at 4:32 p.m. Obscuration will peak at about 95.5% at 3:20 p.m.

  • Partial obscuration in Boalsburg will stretch between 2:04 and 4:32 p.m. Its obscuration will peak at 3:20 p.m., too, but block out 95.4% of the sun’s surface.

  • Those watching the eclipse from nearby Bellefonte will see it stretch from 2:04 to 4:32 p.m., too. However, its peak jumps to 96% at 3:20 p.m.

  • Up in Philipsburg, partial obscuration will begin at 2:04 p.m. and wrap up at 4:32 p.m. Obscuration will peak at 3:20 p.m. at around 96.3%.

  • Centre Hall will observe partial obscuration from 2:04 p.m. to 4:33 p.m. The eclipse will block out 95.5% of the sun’s surface area when it peaks at 3:20 p.m.

  • Viewers in Milesburg will see partial obscuration between 2:04 and 4:32 p.m. Obscuration will peak at 3:20 p.m. at just under 96%.

  • Partial obscuration in Snow Shoe begins at 2:04 p.m. and ends at 4:32 p.m. You can catch the maximum obscuration of 96.3% at 3:20 p.m.

  • Just like its neighboring areas, Port Matilda will observe partial obscuration between 2:04 and 4:32 p.m. Obscuration will peak at 95.8% at 3:20 p.m.

  • Over in Lewistown, partial obscuration will begin at 2:07 p.m. and end at 4:34 p.m. Around 93.3% of the sun’s surface area will be blocked out when obscuration peaks at 3:22 p.m.

  • Lock Haven will observe partial obscuration between 2:05 and 4:33 p.m. Maximum obscuration at 3:21 p.m. will block out 96.1% of the sun’s surface area.

Are those eclipse glasses safe? Where to find a proper pair in Pennsylvania, what to avoid

Do you need glasses to watch April 8’s eclipse?

Yes. Unless you are viewing an eclipse from within the path of totality, where sunlight is completely blocked for a brief time, you risk serious eye injury when looking at the sun, even if it is partially obscured.

While the sun’s light may appear dimmer during an eclipse, it can still damage your eyes. Unprotected looks at the sun for even a brief moment can result in vision loss or blindness as wavelengths of light damage your retina.

Solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses are likely the most convenient way to safely view an eclipse. These are often thousands of times darker than everyday sunglasses and often comply with international safety standards. Visit the American Astronomical Society’s website to find reputable glasses retailers to find options near you.

Glasses from the 2017 total solar eclipse or the 2023 annular eclipse can still work if they are in good condition. Otherwise, consider crafting your own pair using materials from around the house.

Though crafting is a bit more involved, you can assemble your own pinhole projector at home to view an eclipse indirectly. NASA recommends a project in this manner that lets sunlight shine through a hole in a sheet of paper to create a shadow of an eclipse on the ground.