It's solar eclipse day in Bucks County. What you need to know to get the best view April 8
It is almost time. The solar eclipse will be visible in a few hours on Monday afternoon.
It will be another 20 years before an event like this will occur again. So here is everything you need to know.
While Bucks County and most of Pennsylvania are in the path of the eclipse, Erie in northwestern part of the state is in the path of totality and expects big crowds for the 3 minutes and 42 seconds event.
According to Visit Philadelphia, Gilbertsville in Montgomery County is the town in the Philadelphia region that is closest to the path of totality during the April 8 solar eclipse with 91.6% coverage.
Bucks County watches solar eclipse: In Bristol, crowds take in solar eclipse with awe as clouds break enough for show
The solar eclipse is almost here. Check out the forecast for Bucks County on April 8
The total solar eclipse is hours away.
With Bucks County’s week of heavy rain and flooding in the rearview, we are looking at a dry and mostly sunny day here. There is a chance of clouds that forecasters warn could dull the view, but we should still get a decent show. Temperatures will be seasonable in the low to mid 60s, according to the National Weather Service.
History and science on eclipse day: Solar eclipse captivates over Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County
The path of totality for the eclipse has been updated. What will Bucks County be able to see?
The path of the totality of the total solar eclipse on April 8 has shifted based on new calculations, but Philadelphia and Bucks County remain outside of the main action.
While Bucks and the city are not in the path of totality, the area will still be treated to a partial solar eclipse, as long as the weather cooperates that day. Only Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania sits in the path and crowds have flocked there to watch.
Check out live eclipse coverage from there and around Pennsylvania here.
Live updates of eclipse: The total solar eclipse is today: Live updates on latest forecast, everything to know
What time will the solar eclipse happen in Bucks County? Check our interactive map to see when it's visible
Tracking the solar eclipse? We have you covered as you figure out the best time to observe nature's high-tech phenomenon. Just use your ZIP code.
Star watchers can also follow the solar eclipse using USA Today's interactive solar eclipse tool.
The eclipse, nicknamed the Great American Eclipse of 2024, will begin about 2:09 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, and end at 4:35 p.m. The maximum eclipse time is 3:23 p.m.
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Where can I get solar eclipse glasses in Bucks County today?
Many shops and other places, like libraries, that had them have reported selling out or giving all their supplies away. Design for Vision on Trenton Avenue in Morrisville, however, said it had glasses in stock and would open at 8 a.m. Monday.
Is my Bucks County school closed April 8 for the eclipse?
No school in Bucks County announced closing today, but most are letting students out early.
While most Bucks County school districts said in March they weren't planning early dismissals for the solar eclipse, officials said they would weigh their options and could change course on the decision to stay in school for a full day.
On April 2, many school districts in Bucks County announced early dismissals, reversing course on earlier decisions to remain open through the eclipse.
Bucks County solar eclipse: Sports delayed
Where to watch the eclipse in Bucks County and Philadelphia?
Yardley Library to livestream solar eclipse; Levittown and Doylestown libraries to host observation party
The Bucks County Free Library will host an observation party at its Levittown branch and will livestream the solar eclipse from its Yardley branch.
"Join us at the library to celebrate the solar eclipse event with crafts and activities for children," read a portion of the eclipse party invite from the free library. "Attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses (while supplies last) to view the solar eclipse!"
The watch party begins at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8, at the Levittown branch, 7311 New Falls Road.
The Bucks County Free Library will also livestream NASA's live broadcast of the solar eclipse from its Yardley branch, 1080 Edgewood Road.
"Join us for a NASA broadcast of the 2024 total solar eclipse," read the invite. "Watch telescope live feeds of the total solar eclipse across the path and grab your eclipse glasses (while supplies last) to view the actual solar eclipse with us at it's maximum coverage around 3:20pm. ln Bucks County, we will see about 90% of the sun covered by the eclipse."
Doylestown Library, 150 S Pine St., will celebrate with "crafts for children, and a live stream of the eclipse's path for all! Last but not least, attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses (while supplies last) to view the solar eclipse."
Grundy Library, Bristol
Grundy Library will have an event from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, including crafts, "live-casting via NASA from the point of totality, and encouraging participants to be citizen scientists by recording data in the Globe Observer App. Additionally, we will be offering a raffle to all those attending the Total Eclipse event on April 8 for a Franklin Institute year-long Family Membership." No eclipse glasses will be given out, so bring your own.
Washington Crossing and Fort Washington parks
Fort Washington State Park will host a 30-minute children’s education program about the science behind eclipses beginning at 11 a.m. at the Hawk Watch Deck at Lot 5. The event, “Learn With A Ranger: Eclipses, the Cosmic Ballet,” is for children ages 6-12 and touches on how other cultures have viewed eclipses in the past. The park is located at 447 Militia Hill Road.
Washington Crossing Historic Park is also hosting an eclipse viewing party from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., though the exact meeting location is only available through registration by emailing mtruesdale@pa.gov. The event has also reached its maximum registration to provide free eyewear, so attendees will need to bring their own, wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
More: Bucks County high school sports take cover from solar eclipse
Evolution Candy at Star Garden Park, Doylestown
The candy store is organizing a watch event at Star Garden Park from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be cotton candy and other treat and snacks with an eclipsed-themed playlist keeping the party going. The store has eclipse glasses available while supplies last. The park off State Street, directly behind Evolution Candy, has outdoor seating and is "an excellent viewing spot."
'Solar eclipse beach party' at Temple University
The Temple University College of Science and Technology is hosting a "Solar Eclipse Beach party" at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 8, at the Beury Hall beach, 1901 N. 13th St., Philadelphia.
"See the eclipse through multiple solar viewing telescopes, on monitors and with protective eyewear", read a portion of Temple University's post for the event. "The eclipse, where the path of the moon crosses in front of the sun, will cover nine-tenths of the sun’s surface locally. This is a 'deep partial' solar eclipse, where the sky will get noticeably darker, brighter stars and the planets Jupiter and Venus will be visible and the sun’s profile will be reduced to a slender crescent.
What you won't find is an actual beach. The area is a grass field near the school's Bell Tower and perfect for blankets and lawn chairs.
Vist Philadelphia also lists spots in Philadelphia to observe the solar ecplise:
Cira Green, 129 S. 30th. St.
Fairmount Park, accessible via Belmont Ave., Parkside Ave., North 33rd. St., and Girard Ave.
The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th. St. Franklin Institute "is holding a free 2024 Solar Eclipse viewing party from 1:30 pm. to 5:30 pm. in front of the museum steps along 20th Street sidewalk." It's billed as a community-wide viewing party where visitors can "safely observe the solar eclipse under our large solar filter tents, or through our specially equipped telescopes—or even your own eclipse glasses."
"Solar Eclipse Viewing" parties are also set for these locations in Philadelphia:
The Falls of Schuylkill Branch Library is holding a solar eclispe event at its location, 3501 Midvale Avenue. Free glasses for safe solar viewing are provided while supplies last and there will also be family-friendly activities. There will be a LightSound device, a tool developed for the blind and low vision community to experience solar eclipses with sound. For more information, astrolab.fas.harvard.edu/LightSound.html
Wyoming Free Library of Philadelphia at 231 E. Wyoming Ave. is also having a party with solar eclipse glasses available as supplies allow. The viewing party will follow with crafts and other activities related to the eclipse. The program is for school age children but all ages are welcome. Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/954097063049969
Marconi Park in South Philly will have a gathering on the west side of Broad Street in the open area near the playground. Free glasses for safe solar viewing will be available as supplies last and there will be family activities. Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/7231867710206972
I can't find solar eclipse glasses in Bucks County, how can I view the partial eclipse?
We tell you how to use some things found right in your home to safely view the eclipse, if you can't find solar sclipse glasses.
Do you have a cheese grater or pasta colander? How about some index cards you can punch a hole in? If you do, you can safely — and indirectly — view the solar eclipse on April 8, without specific eclipse glasses.
The indirect viewing means just that. It does not involve looking directly at the sun. In fact, the sun will be to your back.
How to stream the solar eclipse 2024
Can't make it outdoors to view the eclipse in person or won't be in a good spot? No worries.
USA Today will provide livestream services for the Monday eclipse via YouTube.
NASA will also provide streaming with additional commentary as the eclipse progresses.
3 reasons why solar eclipse April 8 will be bigger and better than the one in 2017
The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in the contiguous United States was Aug. 21, 2017, but this year’s eclipse April 8 could be viewed by more people and may have more spectacular results.
And this might be your last chance for two decades. According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States will be in 2044.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.
5 things to keep in mind while watching the total solar eclipse, according to an expert
As the total solar eclipse on April 8 continues to creep closer, you’re probably finalizing your plans for the big day.
However you plan to celebrate, Bennett Maruca, a University of Delaware professor specializing in physics and astronomy, has some advice for making the most out of this rare experience.
Sonic announces eclipse-themed drink, Blackout Slush Float, and eclipse glasses giveaway
The total solar eclipse in April just got sweeter thanks to Sonic Drive-In's latest eclipse deal.
On March 18, Sonic announced the upcoming release of its limited-edition Blackout Slush Float, a drink created in honor of the total solar eclipse coming up on April 8.
The Blackout Slush Float features a sweet, cotton candy and dragon fruit flavored, all-black slush base, representing the “temporary darkness from the solar eclipse,” and topped with white soft serve and blue and purple galaxy-themed sprinkles, according to Sonic, who adds that the float “will transport fans straight to outer space.”
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Solar eclipse in Bucks County: glasses, timing, partial view and more
