PENNSYLVANIA, USA — A rare total solar eclipse will be visible for 99% of people living in the United States on April 8.
During the solar eclipse, the moon will pass between Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light. For nearly four minutes, the afternoon sky will go dark.
To celebrate, a couple of central Pennsylvania locations are hosting viewing parties for anyone interested!
Hosting an event that isn't listed? Let us know by emailing us at news@fox43.com.
Cumberland County
Fredricksen Library: Learn about the sun and the mechanics of the eclipse with Lou Thieblemont, the resident astronomer for Viking Cruise Line. With clear skies in mind, guests can take a look through Lou's special telescope, designed to look at the sun in the light produced by the hydrogen atom. The even will run from 2-3 p.m. and registration is not necessary. The event will be held in the Community Room of the library.
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center: View the total solar eclipse with educators on hand to answer any questions at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, located at 500 Kings Gap Road in Carlisle. The event will be held on April 8 from 2-4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive no later than 3 p.m.
Dauphin County
Whitaker Center: Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Kristin James as she discusses the cosmic importance of solar eclipses at the Whitaker Center! Doors open at 2 p.m., James will give her presentation at 2:30 p.m., the viewing will begin at 2:50 p.m. and the event will end at 3:45 p.m.
Franklin County
Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library: Join community members for a casual hangout in Martha's Garden at 45 East Main Street in Waynesboro to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse! Refreshments and activity sheets will be provided for this event catered to all ages. Just don't forget to bring your eclipse glasses or pinhole camera! The library will also offer free eclipse viewing glasses for pick-up throughout March!
Lancaster County
Eastern Lancaster County Library: The library will be holding an eclipse watch party at 1 p.m. on April 8. There will be snacks, space and solar-themed activities for all ages and livestreams from the eclipse across different locations. The event will be held in the activity room of the library located at 11 Chestnut Drive in New Holland. Eclipse viewing glasses will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ryan Observatory at Muddy Run: All are encouraged to view the solar eclipse at the Ryan Observatory at Muddy Run. The visitor center will be open with science activities and food trucks will be on site for lunch. Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided while supplies last. The eclipse is expected to begin at 2:06 p.m. and complete at 4:33 p.m.
Millersville University: Students with the society of physics and the physics department are holding a viewing party at in the quad near Gordinier Hall.
York County
Codorus State Park: Jeri Jones of Jones Geological Servies of Spring Grove and Red Lion Telescopes will partner to present a Solar Eclipse Party at Codorus State Park from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8. The partial eclipse will begin at 2:04 p.m. Various telescopes, binoculars and other solar viewing instruments will be set up to safely view the event. Solar glasses will also be distributed as long as supplies last.
Martin Library: Learn all about the total solar eclipse at Market Library located at 159 East Market Street in York. All ages are welcome to this free event on April 8 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. There will be a story time at 2:30 to learn more about space and a special craft following at 2:50. Participants can make an eclipse bookmark and/or a word search. Afterwards, the first 15 attendees will head up to the Martin Library's rooftop at 3 p.m. for the solar event. The remainder of the attendees may watch from the Market Street sidewalk in front of the library. Eclipse glasses will be distributed to guests for free as supplies last.
York County Astronomical Society: Enjoy the view with experts! The York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) will be offering a public solar eclipse watch at their observatory at John Rudy Park located at 400 Mundis Race Road on Monday, April 8 from 2-4:30 p.m. YCAS members will explain what is being viewed for those with questions. The event is free and open to the public.