When will the solar eclipse be best viewable? Here's how to use your ZIP code to find out
The solar eclipse is expected to be viewable on Monday, April 8, including here in Bucks County and throughout Pennsylvania.
Trying to plan your viewing party. We have you covered as you figure out the best time to observe nature's high-tech phenomenon. Just use your ZIP code.
Here's how to check the solar eclipse timetable using your ZIP code, and the latest solar eclipse information you should know.
What time is the eclipse? How long will it last? What will it look like?
People planning to observe the solar eclipse and interested in timing the event can enter their ZIP code on this site to get an approximation on the timetable of the solar eclipse's visibility and what it will look like in your neighborhood.
Your solar eclipse timing primer: What time is the solar eclipse? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide
On April 8 the moon will travel along the path of totality in North America starting in northern Mexico. The shadow of the moon will pass into Texas a little before 1:30 p.m. local time.
It will then cover portions of the Midwest and East Coast and touch southeast Canada before it moves out to sea, according to NASA.
There are viewing parties and sessions planned ahead of the eclipse in Bucks County, Philadelphia and the region.
Erie in direct path of solar eclipse; how to best observe there
While Bucks County and most of Pennsylvania are in the path of the eclipse, Erie in northwestern part of the state is in the path of totality and expects big crowds for the 3 minutes and 42 seconds event.
Erie solar eclipse primer: Solar eclipse 2024: Erie is in path of totality. Here's what to know
Presque Isle State Park in Erie has been preparing for large crowds.
Early April is usually a slow time at the park, but the solar eclipse that day is expected to bring up to 30,000 people to Presque Isle, depending on the weather, said Matt Greene, the park's operations manager.
In Erie, people are encouraged to find places other than the bayfront to view the eclipse because the downtown traffic could be gridlocked on April 8.
Pennsylvania Turnpike will keep all lanes open at the Cranberry Interchange
Driver do's and don'ts for the eclipse: Checking out the solar eclipse next month? Don't park on highways, gather at rest stops
The Pennsylvania State Police are prepared for the extra traffic the solar eclipse will bring to Erie.
"The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will be keeping all lanes of traffic open heading to and from Erie on I-79 via the Cranberry Interchange (Exit #28) and adding additional maintenance personnel in the event of an emergency," read a portion of PennDOT's news release. "To assist Pennsylvania residents and out-of-state visitors traveling to Erie, which will experience one of the longest period of darkness, PennDOT has developed an event specific 511PA page — www.511pa.com/eclipse24."
Are free eclipse glasses safe? How can I view the eclipse safely without glasses?
If you buy or are given eclipse glasses, be sure they are made by companies the American Astronomical Society and NASA have certified as safe. Eclipse glasses should all have the "ISO" (International Organization for Standardization) icon. The glasses also must have the ISO reference number 12312-2.
If you cannot find certified glasses, there are other ways to view the eclipse, including with a shadow box you can make yourself. Whatever you do, don't look at the sun without proper protection.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: What time in solar eclipse near me? Use your ZIP code to find out
