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!
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).
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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