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Erie's Total Solar Eclipse 

     

Experience The Ultimate Sunblock: Erie's 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. 

A total solar eclipse is perhaps the most spectacular astronomical event that can be witnessed from Earth, and it can only be observed from some parts of the globe. Erie will be one of the few locations to see every stage of this awe-inspiring event.

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. The difference between a total and partial eclipse is out of this world: if even one percent of the sun is visible during an eclipse, the sun is 10,000 times too bright to observe the most spectacular part - totality!

The partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m., and totality starts at 3:16 p.m. For detailed timing click here

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 until 2144!

Where to Get Eclipse Glasses

It's important to wear ISO-certified eclipse glasses as you safely view the eclipse. You can get them at several locations in Erie County leading up to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: 

  • VisitErie will distribute "The Ultimate Sunblock" eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-served basis from April 5 - April 8 at three locations: I-90 Pennsylvania Welcome Center (at the PA/NY border), the I-79 Rest Stop (near Edinboro, northbound), and the Erie Visitor Center at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. 
  • Country Fair locations throughout northwestern Pennsylvania will distribute eclipse glasses in the weeks leading up to the Total Solar Eclipse. 
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Timing Totality

  Totality Begins Totality Ends Totality Duration
Erie (Downtown) 3:16:23 p.m. 3:20:05 p.m. 3 min 41 seconds
Corry 3:17:18 p.m. 3:20:08 p.m. 2 min 50 seconds
Edinboro 3:16:22 p.m. 3:19:41 p.m. 3 min 19 seconds
North East 3:16:47 p.m. 3:20:27 p.m. 3 min 40 seconds
Lake City 3:15:58 p.m. 3:19:40 p.m. 3 min 42 seconds
Waterford 3:16:36 p.m. 3:19:56 p.m. 3 min 19 seconds


All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time. Source: NationalEclipse.com and Fred Espenak NASA GSFC (eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov). For a detailed interactive map of what the eclipse will look like from various points in northwestern PA, click here

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. Please avoid these areas, or allow yourself plenty of time to get through traffic. This map will continue to be updated as other viewing locations and events are confirmed.

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Events marked on this map may be ticketed or free to the public. Please click on the icons for more details. Being noted as a public viewing location does not guarantee seating. Please bring chairs or blankets if viewing in a public park. VisitErie can not guarantee amenities such as restrooms at any public viewing locations. 

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Plan Your Trip to Erie!

Turn your totality experience into a getaway! Erie County is a popular tourist destination not only for its location on Lake Erie, but for its diverse culinary and craft beverage scene, family-friendly attractions, and vibrant year-round events. Call us at (814) 454-1000 for trip suggestions.

Click here for trip ideas, or below to download VisitErie trip planning resources. 

'Hello Erie' App     Request a Visitor Guide

Other Eclipse-Planning Resources

Frequently Asked Questions  Safety Tips   Information for Erie-Based Businesses 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When was the last total solar eclipse in the United States?
  • I want to come to Erie! Where should I stay?
  • Do I need anything special to view the eclipse?
  • How do I know when I can take my glasses off?
  • Where can I get eclipse glasses in Erie?
  • What time does it start?
  • Will there be a lot of people in Erie for the Eclipse?
  • I love Presque Isle State Park. Why is it not a suggested viewing location?
  • Will the eclipse still be visible if the sky is overcast?
  • What is the difference between a partial and total solar eclipe?

How to Safely Experience 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. Certified eclipse glasses must be worn to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes during a total solar eclipse. To protect your eyes during an eclipse, get a pair of ISO certified eclipse glasses (labeled ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312:2015) or make a pinhole projector. For information on safely viewing the eclipse from the AAS, click here
  • Do not take photographs of the eclipse, or us binoculars or telescopes without proper equipment and filters.
  • Keep children under close supervision during the eclipse to ensure they do not remove their eclipse glasses or look directly at the sun.
  • 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.
For more information on the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, visit NationalEclipse.com

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