Mackenzie Warren

Contributing Writer

maw6647@psu.edu

Erie, PA – Erie is one of the major cities in Pennsylvania to be in the total path of this year’s solar eclipse, expecting 56,000 – 200,000 visitors. 

The eclipse is April 8, 2024, and will take place from 3:16 to 3:20 p.m. “During those 4 minutes, Erie will be totally dark and the temperature will drop about 10 degrees,” Erie’s official website says. “The sky returns to normal at about 4:30 p.m.” When deciding where to view the solar eclipse, think about where the sun will be at that time of day, it will be to the west. It may be best to view it from your backyard. 

In order to stay safe, The City of Erie recommends that guests arrive earlier and stay later after the eclipse. This is to avoid traffic and prevent any accidents happening to keep the guests visiting Erie safe. Multiple places are expected to be closed in Erie, including schools and colleges to also keep the residents of Erie safe. However, if guests are looking to stay the whole weekend, 86% of hotels are already booked. So, if you are looking to come to Erie for the solar eclipse, The City of Erie suggests booking sooner than later. 

Also, to make sure guests stay safe, they should not directly investigate the sun without the special eclipse glasses. The only time guests will be able to look at the sun is when the moon is completely covering the sun, this is referred to when the eclipse is at “total eclipse.” If you choose not to wear the special glasses provided, the eclipse could cause retinal burns within the eyes. At first, we are not able to feel the retinal burns because we are unable to feel pain within the area until several hours later. 

The glasses for the eclipse will be offered to guests at multiple places, such as I-90 Pennsylvania Welcome Center, I-79 Rest Stop, Erie News Now Watch Party at Erie Sports Center, Country Fair, Erie Visitor Center at Tom Ridge Environmental Center, etc. 

Multiple events will be held for this year’s solar eclipse. Events will be hosted by Experience Children’s Museum, Liberty Park-Highmark Amphitheatre, Erie Seawolves, Mercyhurst University, Erie Zoo, Frontier Park and more. Spaces are limited at these events and that is just in the city of Erie alone. Events are also being held in East County, Route Six Corridor and South, Upper Peach Street and West County. If guests are looking for somewhere to watch the eclipse, please check out visiterie.com for more information!