The solar eclipse will occur on Monday , April 8 , and will cut a path of totality approximately 124 miles wide . ( Totality is described as the maximum point of a solar eclipse , in which the moon completely covers the sun .) As it turns out , Erie is in the direct path of this event .
According to NASA , the total eclipse will begin at 3:16 p . m ., peaking at 3:18 p . m ., with totality ending at 3:20 p . m . Though the headliner of the event appears for just four minutes , a partial eclipse will be visible beginning at 2:02 p . m . and ending at 4:30 p . m . These times are specific to Erie only . This will not occur again for another 120 years !
Eclipses have been the stuff of legends for thousands of years , and there are several Native American allegories surrounding the celestial anomalies . For the Shawandasse ( better known as the Shawnee ) it was a sign of terrible war . But in a more positive outlook , the Crow believed it was a new beginning , with the sun ’ s death and rebirth . The Pueblos also took a more optimistic view that it was a time of great transformation .
It ’ s certainly a positive occurrence for Erie , since tourists will be flocking to the area from across the nation to witness the event , amounting to millions of dollars pouring into the local economy . In anticipation of the keen interest in the eclipse , many presentations and events have been planned .
You can experience the big event at Mercyhurst University by attending a special viewing at Saxon Stadium with music . It has been designated as a “ Sunspot Viewing Site ” by NASA and this a free event . There are also lots of lectures and other activities offered free to the public . You can learn more by visiting the website at mercyhurst . edu / eclipse .
Penn State Behrend , home of the Yahn Planetarium , will be giving away free eclipse viewing glasses to anyone purchasing a ticket to a planetarium show on Saturdays , while supplies last . It is not safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse , so these are especially important for anyone planning on “ star gazing ” at our solar system ’ s biggest star . For more information , visit the university ’ s dedicated solar eclipse website at sites . psu . edu / erieeclipse2024 .
In Harborcreek and North East , there will be parties hosted at 21 Lake Erie wineries , with the celebration beginning April 5 and running through April 8 . Each winery will feature an eclipse-themed culinary delight and will be giving away NASA authorized viewing glasses . For tickets , visit lakeeriewinecountry . org / events / lewc-events / lights-out .
Also in North East you can attend the Total Eclipse Festival , with a viewing party on April 8 that will include food , live music and a car show at Lake Erie Speedway . Visit lakeeriespeedway . com .
In West County , you can take in the solar experience at YMCA Camp Fitch with a three-day event at a private Lake Erie beach , highlighted by delectable chef-prepared meals . Camp Fitch also offers mountain biking , rock climbing , hiking and lots of other fun outdoor activities in addition to a great view of the eclipse . To book your stay , visit campfitchymca . org / eclipse-camp .
There are two important points to remember : With thousands of tourists coming to the Erie area for the events , make sure you plan ahead and allow for extremely congested traffic patterns , and be sure to observe all safety precautions for viewing the eclipse . NASA advises that you should never view an eclipse through a camera , binoculars or telescope because it will cause serious and immediate eye injury . Likewise , never view an eclipse without special ISO Certified Eclipse glasses . For more safety information , visit science . nasa . gov / eclipses / safety .
VisitErie will be giving away “ The Ultimate Sunblock ” eclipse glasses on a first-come , first-served basis from April 5-8 , at the I-90 Pennsylvania Welcome Center , the I-79 Rest Stop near Edinboro on the northbound side , and the Erie Visitor Center at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center . To stay up-to-date on eclipse events , the visiterie . com website has a comprehensive overview with new details being added as they emerge .
Happy viewing ! n
Be sure to check out the Millcreek Township pages in this issue to see safety guidelines and a list of local parks for viewing the eclipse , page 12 .
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