Where will you watch the eclipse? Here are some ideas in and around Hagerstown
Though Maryland isn't in the path of totality for the solar eclipse set for the afternoon of Monday, April 8, 2024, there will still be plenty of reasons to look to the skies in the Hagerstown area and beyond.
Here's a look at when the eclipse is coming, then more on events all around to enjoy the big event.
How to catch up on eclipse coverage on Monday
Solar eclipse in Maryland will be partial, but still spectacular
A partial eclipse — hinging on good weather and clear skies — will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states, including in Maryland.
A partial eclipse occurs when the orbiting moon passes between the sun and Earth, but the sun, moon and Earth are not perfectly lined up.
What is the weather forecast?
According to National Weather Service meteorologists, mainly cloudy skies are in the forecast for Washington County, Md., and Franklin County, Pa.
“It’s not going to be an exceptional day,” said John Banhoff in State College, Pa., on Thursday. There won’t be dense cloud cover, but it won’t be crystal clear either, he explained.
On Thursday, the forecast called for 70% chance of cloud cover in the Hagerstown area, with temperatures around 60 degrees when the solar eclipse peaks around 3:15 p.m. Monday.
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When is the solar eclipse in Hagerstown, Washington County? Search by ZIP code
Hagerstown events/places to watch the solar eclipse
Events/places to watch the eclipse on Monday, April 8, in the Hagerstown area:
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
2 to 4 p.m. Waynesboro Area Senior High School Stadium, 550 E. Second St., Waynesboro, Pa. Hosted by The Institute of Waynesboro, Pa.; the Waynesboro Area School District; and NASA.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
2 to 4 p.m. University Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Hagerstown. Hosted by Downtown Hagerstown.
2024 Total Solar Eclipse Hagerstown
2:03 to 4:32 p.m. 1089 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown. Hosted by www.ilovesolareclipse.com. Purchase solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing. Go to www.ilovesolareclipse.com for a list of trusted vendors or local stores where you can obtain certified glasses. Bring camera.
Eclipse Party!
3 to 4 p.m. Washington County Free Library, Fletcher Branch Lower Level Patio, 100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. For children ages 6 to 12, accompanied by an adult. Free eclipse glasses. Music, games, snacks, art project. No registration necessary. Call 301-739-3250 or email dvaughn@washcolibrary.org.
Family Eclipse Activity
1 to 3 p.m., Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Lane, Shepherdstown, W.Va., Solar eclipse watching and activities. Call 304-876-2783.
Eclipse Watching Party!
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library, Martha's Garden (rain location - Community Room), 45 E. Main St., Waynesboro, Pa. For all ages. Refreshments and activity sheets provided. Bring eclipse glasses and/or pinhole camera. Call 717-762-3335 or email STAFF@AHMFL.ORG.
Solar Eclipse Party!
2 to 6 p.m. GearHouse Brewing Company, 253 Grant St., Chambersburg, Pa. Fun and food outdoors (moved indoors if bad weather). Free admission.
Potluck Picnic & Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
1 to 5 p.m., Friends Wilderness Center, 305 Friends Way, Harpers Ferry, W.Va. Share superstitions and folklore about solar eclipses. Bring solar eclipse glasses. Free-will donation, participants are kindly requested to consider a $20/person minimum donation to support facilities. Organized by Friends Wilderness Center.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Eclipse 2024 viewing around Hagerstown, Washington, Franklin counties
