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This spring, Greater Philadelphia will experience a phenomenon not witnessed for 40 years.
A total eclipse of the sun will traverse the country on Monday, April 8, 2024, during which the Philly region will be plunged into a partial solar eclipse reaching over 90% of totality.
The event — where the path of the moon crosses in front of the sun — will cover nine-tenths of the sun’s surface locally. That makes this a “deep partial” solar eclipse, where the sky will get noticeably darker, brighter stars will be visible and the sun’s profile will be reduced to a slender crescent. (Viewing success is dependent on weather and cloud cover.)
In Philadelphia, the moon will begin its path across the sun on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 2:08 p.m. and will move from south to west for nearly two-and-a-half hours, until 4:35 p.m.
The mid-eclipse time — when the highest coverage will occur — will be at 3:23:42 p.m.
— Photo courtesy NASA
Philadelphia won’t experience totality, but this is still a rare and special event as the eclipse reaches 90.1% coverage in the city at its peak.
This is the greatest solar coverage the region has seen since Memorial Day weekend in 1984, which was at 95%. Many will recall the last significant partial non-annular eclipse, on August 21, 2017, when coverage was at 80%.
You won’t want to miss this show, however, as the next partial non-annular eclipse visible in the region with this level of coverage won’t be for another half-century, on May 11, 2078.
Curious when the last solar eclipse with total daytime coverage darkened Philadelphia? That was before the city even existed, in 1478.
The eclipse will be viewable from nearly any open space facing southwest away from tree cover across the five counties. But many attractions, parks and businesses will hold local watch parties.
Eclipse Watch Parties
American Philosophical Society in Old City
This free Shoot for the Stars Eclipse event at the American Philosophical Society provides eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies last) and offers space-related activities for the whole family (104 S. 5th Street, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., free to attend).
The Franklin Institute on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Join The Franklin Institute and Federal Donuts & Chicken for a free family-friendly party featuring solar viewing stations, a beer garden, limited-time “Solar Eclipse” donuts and live entertainment. Eclipse glasses are available for purchase (222 N. 20th Street, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., free to attend).
— Photo courtesy The Franklin Institute
Glen Foerd in Northeast Philadelphia
Bring a shoebox or empty Pringles can and create a homemade eclipse viewer at Glen Foerd’s family-friendly viewing party. The event is donation-based and registration is required (5001 Grant Avenue, noon to 4:30 p.m., registration required).
Independence Visitor Center in Old City
Enjoy views of Independence Hall while watching the eclipse from The Liberty View terrace at the Independence Visitor Center. Protective eyewear is free for the first 50 guests (599 Market Street, 2:08 p.m. to 4:35 p.m., free to attend).
Morris Arboretum & Gardens in Chestnut Hill
At the Solar Eclipse Watch Party at Morris Arboretum & Gardens, kids can make a cereal box viewer while other attendees receive a pair of eclipse glasses. Event attendance is free with general admission (100 E. Northwestern Avenue, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., free with general admission).
Temple University in North Philadelphia
Join Temple University’s Department of Physics to watch the eclipse through solar viewing telescopes, on monitors and with protective glasses on campus at Beury Beach (1901 N. 13th Street, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., free to attend).
Beury Beach — Photo courtesy Temple University
Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County
Look through a solar telescope, receive a pair of free eclipse glasses (while supplies last) and earn a special Junior Ranger Eclipse Explorer badge! This kid-friendly event is being held at Wayne’s Woods picnic area in Valley Forge National Historical Park (8000 S. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., free to attend).
Wagner Free Institute of Science in North Philadelphia
Attendees of Wagner’s free eclipse watch party can borrow eclipse-viewing glasses (limited supply), use a special telescope and listen to NASA’s eclipse live stream. Advance registration is recommended (1700 W. Montgomery Avenue, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., free to attend, registration is recommended).
Other Viewing Locations
Fairmount Park
Spots in Fairmount Park like Lemon Hill or George’s Hill near The Mann Center, the highest point in the city, are great open areas for viewing the eclipse (5201 Parkside Avenue).
Cira Green
At 12 stories up, this rooftop urban park in University City has panoramic views of the city skyline (129 S. 30th Street).
Cira Green — Photo by Elevated Angles for Visit Philadelphia
Gilbertsville
This town in Montgomery County will have the closest to the path of totality in the region — with 91.6% coverage.
No matter from where you watch, make sure to take proper safety precautions, as even that remaining sliver of the sun will be daytime bright. Looking directly without protection can burn the retina, even through a phone, camera or binoculars.
For safe viewing, regular sunglasses are not enough. Options include purchasing protective eclipse glasses from a reputable seller or crafting a handheld solar viewer, like the cereal box contraptions many built in 2017.
Curious what the eclipse will look like this April? View the event now in this virtual simulator.
For more about the 2024 solar eclipse, click the button below.
VISIT OFFICIAL NASA 2024 ECLIPSE WEBSITE
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?