Erie's Total Solar Eclipse

Erie, PA is in the path of totality for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse!

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime event in Erie, Pennsylvania! On April 8, 2024, Erie is in the path of totality for a total solar eclipse. For nearly four minutes, the afternoon sky will go dark as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. Erie is the only major city in Pennsylvania in the path of totality.

The next Total Solar Eclipse in the contiguous United States won’t occur until 2044. Erie, Pennsylvania won’t be in the path of totality again this century.

Timing (all times listed are Eastern Daylight Time)

2:02 p.m. – Partial Begins
3:16 p.m. – Totality Begins
3:18 p.m. – Maximum Totality
3:20 p.m. – Totality Ends
4:30 p.m. – Partial Ends

Experiencing Totality

During a Total Solar Eclipse, the moon lines up perfectly to obscure the sun, creating "totality". At the time of totality, the sky will become dark, and the sun’s corona (or outer atmosphere) will be visible. During the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, nearly everyone in North America will see some part of the eclipse, but only those who live in or travel to the path of totality will experience all stages of this rare event.

Map courtesy NationalEclipse.com.

Viewing Locations

During Erie's Total Solar Eclipse, the sun will be high in the sky and visible from anywhere within Erie County. High traffic is expected in popular tourist locations along the water, including on Presque Isle State Park and in Erie's Bayfront District. More information regarding parking, shuttles, and viewing events will be added as it becomes available.

Where to Stay

Calendar of Events

Things to Do

Things You Need to Know about the Erie Eclipse 2024:

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the sun. People who are located within the path of totality will experience a total solar eclipse, meaning they will see the moon’s shadow cover the sun completely. At the time of totality, the sky will become dark, and if the sky is clear the sun’s corona (or outer atmosphere) will be visible. People who are not in the path of totality will not see all stages of the total solar eclipse. You can see a simulation of what to expect in the path of totality in Erie here.
Why is this a rare event?

The center line of the 2024 eclipse passes over Lake Erie near Presque Isle State Park, which means Erie County will experience totality longer than anywhere else in Pennsylvania. The next total solar eclipse to occur in the United States won’t take place until 2044. Erie County won’t be in the path of totality again until 2144, 120 years from now, making this truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When was the last total solar eclipse in the United States?
Do I need anything special to view it?
Where can I view this in Erie?

The sun will be high enough in the sky that it’ll be viewable from anywhere in Erie County, but the best, unobstructed viewing will be in higher elevation locations. (A list of suggested viewing locations and events is coming soon!) Events are expected to be held at locations across Erie County, including planned events at Lake Erie Speedway, the Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend, and at the Penn West Edinboro Planetarium.
What time does it start?
Will there be a lot of people in Erie for the Eclipse?

It’s not a matter of if people show up, but rather, how many. During the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, an estimated 215 million Americans saw the event, however only 12 million experienced totality. In 2024, approximately 32 million Americans reside in the path of totality, and it’s possible that 40 to 50 million people will go to see it, making it the most watched Total Solar Eclipse in history. Erie is expected to experience significant-sized crowds during the event.
Will the eclipse still be visible if the sky is overcast?
How do I know when I can take my glasses off?

Tips for Safely Experiencing the Total Solar Eclipse

Eclipse viewing is a safe and enjoyable experience if you take the necessary measures to protect yourself with some basic information and take simple precautions.

DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. Wear certified eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes during a total solar eclipse.
Do not look directly at the sun without appropriate eyewear.
Do not touch your eyes or face while wearing eclipse glasses, as they may have been contaminated with harmful chemicals or debris.
Do not take photographs of the eclipse without proper equipment and filters.
Do not use cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without appropriate filters.
Do not use homemade filters or ordinary camera filters, as they are not safe for direct viewing of the sun.
Stand still and cover your eyes with approved eclipse viewing glasses or a pinhole projector before looking up at the sun.
Keep children under close supervision during the eclipse to ensure they do not remove their eclipse glasses or look directly at the sun.
Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and long-sleeved clothing.
Be aware of your surroundings, as the sudden darkness during a total solar eclipse can cause disorientation and confusion.
Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather during the eclipse.
Follow any safety instructions or guidelines provided by local authorities or event organizers.
Plan your viewing location in advance and arrive early to avoid crowds and traffic delays.
Have a plan for transportation and communication in case of emergency. Large crowds and extremely heavy traffic are expected throughout the path of totality. Give yourself time to get where you need to be.
Be respectful of local communities and the environment during the eclipse.