Eclipse 2024

That means the shadow of the Moon will fully cover the face of the Sun, darkening the sky as if it were dawn or dusk in the middle of the day. And the Oil Region will be one of the best places to see that happen.

According to NASA, the partial eclipse will begin at 2:02 p.m. in Erie. Totality will begin at 3:16 p.m. Maximum darkness will be at 3:18 p.m. Totality ends at 3:20 p.m. The partial eclipse will be over at 4:30 p.m. Each time will be slightly earlier for the Oil Region.

Check out this chart showing the times of totality for towns in our area, as shared by the PA Great Lakes Region.

Umbraphile, literally translated to shadow lover, is the name given to those who chase eclipses, traveling almost anywhere to experience them.

Hotels were sold out all along the path of totality for the 2017 eclipse and thousands of umbraphiles and amateur fans alike drove hundreds of miles to get a good view. The 2024 Eclipse promises much of the same excitement!

You should never look directly at the sun without eye protection, and sunglasses aren’t enough. You need certified eclipse glasses or a viewer to protect your eyes. This is especially true for an eclipse, when you’ll be looking right at the sun for a couple minutes straight. NASA and the American Astronomical Society have suggestions for indirect viewing that will protect your eyes and still let you experience the eclipse safely. Check them out here.

Do not stop on highways or other roadways to view the eclipse. Do not pull off onto the shoulder, either. If you can’t exit to a parking spot, keep on driving, and focus on the road.

Make a plan. Experts are predicting extreme traffic delays. If you can, reschedule appointments and errands that would take you into the crowds April 8. If you have to get around that day, give yourself plenty of extra time and be patient.

Many schools and businesses in the path of totality are choosing to close the day of the eclipse. Between the crowds and traffic delays and concern for safety, it’s just easier for those folks to stay at home.

However, hospitality industry businesses such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores should see a huge uptick in customers between April 5-9. If you expect your business to be busy for the eclipse:

• Stock up! Make sure you have the supplies you need to meet the extra demand and know that deliveries may be delayed because of the increased traffic. Please consider “stocking up” on additional staff as well.
• Update your website and social media to accurately reflect your hours, especially if you are normally closed on Mondays, but are making an exception for the eclipse, as well as your address and contact info. You don’t want to lose out on business because customers can’t find you or don’t think you’re open.
• Be informed about the eclipse so you can answer questions and direct guests. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist, but you can tell customers the eclipse is happening (Monday, April 8 between 2 and 3:30 p.m.), remind them to protect their eyes, and direct them to informative websites like this one and the links below.
• If you work at a place that is not closing, consider holding a watch party with your coworkers. Step out in the afternoon (with your eye protection) and experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Drake Well Museum & Park is offering buy one, get one admission to the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 8. They have a limited number of eclipse viewing cards to give away while supplies last. Anyone is welcome to view the eclipse from the museum grounds or the Jersey Bridge Trailhead, but you can also come into the open space between the museum and replica to experience this historic event in a historic setting!

Titusville Iron Works is hosting a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, Monday, April 8 from noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy a cold beverage while listening to live music performed by “Brian Loosz” on the outdoor patio and eating some amazing food served by “The Magic Bus” Food Truck. Thank you to “Vision Source” for providing the Solar Eclipse glasses!

Is your business or organization hosting something special for the eclipse that should be included in this list? Please let us know by emailing ealtomare@oilregion.org and reference Eclipse Event in the subject line. Thanks! We look forward to hearing from you.

The Oil Region Astronomical Society (ORAS) will host an Eclipse 2024 Event that is open and free to the public (http://www.oras.org/).

“If you miss this one, you will have to wait another 75 years to see a total solar eclipse from this part of the country, so don’t miss out,” said Tim Spuck, longtime ORAS member and astronomy educator.

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves in between the Earth and Sun, casting its shadow onto the Earth.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to see two recent total solar eclipses, one from Wyoming and another from Chile. Words can not adequately describe the experience; it’s just powerful. The sky goes dark, you can see the glow from the Sun’s corona around the Moon, the stars come out, and the winds pick up. It’s just other worldly,” said Spuck.

While the Observatory is not quite in the path of totality, it’s close. From the site located on the border of Venango and Clarion counties, observers will see 99.6% of the Sun covered by the Moon during the April 8 event. “Just 0.4% of the Sun will be peeking out from behind the Moon. We are all keeping our fingers crossed for clear weather,” said Spuck.

ORAS will open its facilities to the public on Sunday April 7 and Monday April 8. While there is no fee to participate in the event, donations are much appreciated. The group requests those planning to attend pre-register as soon as possible at http://www.oras.org/ so ORAS can better prepare. There is limited capacity at the Observatory site and a limited number of eclipse glasses available for the public.

The 2024 Eclipse Program will include the following activities:

Sunday, April 7

4 p.m. – the Observatory Site Opens
5 – 6 p.m. – Telescopes set up to safely observe the Sun (weather permitting)
6 – 7:30 p.m. – Education Program: The presentation will focus on answering the following questions:
–         What can you expect to see?
–         How can you safely observe the eclipse? (ORAS has secured solar eclipse glasses, which will be handed out at the event. Again, there is no charge for the glasses, but donations are appreciated.)
–         How can you safely photograph the Eclipse?
–         Where can you go to be in the path of totality? Traveling about one hour northwest of the Observatory will place you in the path of totality. Various locations will be provided.
8 p.m. – Night Sky Observing with Telescopes (weather permitting).
NOTE: Those who want to stay on site overnight, may do so. Overnight fee applies.

Monday, April 8

Noon – ORAS Facilities Open to the Public
Noon – 5 p.m. – Live streaming of the Eclipse events being held in other locations and telescopes will be set up to safely observe the Sun (weather permitting)
2:02 p.m. – Eclipse Begins
3:18:27 p.m. – 99.6% of Sun is covered by the Moon (Eclipse Maximum from Observatory)
4:31 p.m. – Eclipse Ends
5 p.m. – Event Ends

NOTE: Those who want to stay on site overnight, may do so. Overnight fee applies.

Weather could be an issue. “Based on historical weather data, the likelihood of cloud cover in Northwestern Pennsylvania in early April is around 60%, so we are all keeping our fingers crossed. The important thing is to plan and be prepared for this spectacular display of nature,” said Spuck.

For more information and to register for the April 7-8, 2024 Eclipse Event, please visit ORAS at http://www.oras.org/.

After the April 8 eclipse, there won’t be another eclipse visible in North America for twenty years! The Oil Region won’t be in the path of totality again until 2144 — making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime event for the Oil Region.