What to Know
- A total solar eclipse was visible across the United States from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024.
- In Philadelphia, the eclipse reached nearly 89% coverage at its afternoon peak but was obscured by clouds.
- Eclipse parties were held at locations throughout the area Monday afternoon.
Did you see it? A solar eclipse passed over our region just before 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the earth and the sun. During a total solar eclipse, the moon blocks the light coming in from the sun and appears to cover up the sun entirely. This gives viewers a glimpse of the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
"Many people will be traveling to view the total solar eclipse, but those staying close to home in the Philadelphia area can still enjoy a significant spectacle with near 90% coverage of the eclipse, 88.8% in the city, to be exact," NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Bill Henley said.
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In Philadelphia, the eclipse occurred from 2:08 p.m. until 4:35 p.m., peaking at 3:23 p.m., according to NASA's eclipse website.
Eclipse parties were also held in the following locations Monday afternoon.
Pennsylvania
Franklin Institute
- Located at the front of the museum steps along 20th Street at 222 North 20th Street in Philadelphia.
- 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- There will be special solar filter tents where you can safely watch the eclipse.
- For more information, click here.
Glen Foerd
- Located at 5001 Grant Avenue in Philadelphia.
- Noon to 4:30 p.m.
- Tickets are free when you register by clicking here.
Historic Rittenhouse Town/Enoch's Field
- 208 Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- "The free event will feature an historic interpreter sharing observations and commentary on the eclipse as it takes place and birthday cake for David Rittenhouse, organizers said.
- For more information, click here.
Temple University
- Located at the Health Sciences Campus Carlisle West Garage Top Level at 3423 North 15th Street in Philadelphia.
- 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- The first 150 people to arrive will get eclipse safety glasses to wear.
- For more information, click here.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Located at Wayne's Woods picnic area at 8000 South Outer Line Drive in King of Prussia.
- 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- For more information, click here.
Walnut Garden
- Located at 1708 Walnut Street in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse neighborhood.
- The event begins at Noon.
- For more information, click here.
West Chester University
- Located on South Campus at the S parking lot at 850 South New Street in West Chester.
- 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- The first 750 people to arrive will get eclipse safety glasses to wear.
- For more information, click here.
Delaware
Auburn Valley State Park
- Located at 3000 Creek Road in Hockessin.
- The event begins at 2:30 p.m.
- The free event will have a limited amount of eclipse glasses will be available to borrow.
- For more information, click here.
Museum of Nature and Science
- Located at 4840 Kennett Pike in Wilmington.
- 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tickets are free with admission or membership.
- For more information, click here.
New Jersey
Liberty Science Center
- Located at Liberty State Park on 222 Jersey City Boulevard in Jersey City, NJ 07305
- 1 p.m. to 4:36 p.m.
- For more information, click here
What was the weather like during peak eclipse viewing times?
There were cloudy conditions during the partial solar eclipse, but viewers were still able to grab a glimpse of the celestial event.
What did the eclipse look like in the Philadelphia region on April 8, 2024?
We didn't get the full show here in Philadelphia, and that last 10% or so of sunshine wasn't covered by the moon.
"That last little 10% is just as bright as the rest of the sun," The Franklin Institute Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts said. "So, we won't have all the really spectacular phenomenon that go with a solar eclipse.
"For us it will look like a somewhat overcast day, like a partly cloudy day."
The last total solar eclipse visible over the Continental United States was on Aug. 21, 2017. That eclipse covered a more rural area with only 12 million people in the path of totality. Monday's eclipse was visible from Mexico, the U.S. and Canada to an estimated 31.6 million people and covered more densely populated areas, including Dallas, Texas and Cleveland, Ohio.
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