Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on March 27, 2024.
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Solar eclipses are rare treats when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, and even rarer to see here in Pittsburgh!
While we are not going to be able to see the total eclipse in its full glory, Pittsburgh is still set to receive quite the impressive show all the same with a 97% magnitude (coverage) viewing.
In fact, April 8th, 2024 is going to be your last chance for twenty years to have the opportunity to see a total eclipse in the country as the next total eclipse won't occur in the United States until 2044 (in the northwest) and our region will not see one again until 2079 in eastern PA and 2099 in Ohio and the extreme southwest of PA!
Suffice it to say, when we say now is your chance, we really mean it. So in this one, we thought we'd share more information about the looming eclipse, where you have to travel to to see it in full totality, and share a few fun eclipse parties that are taking place right here in the city!
When is the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Pittsburgh?
The eclipse will occur between 2 pm and 4:30 pm on April 8th, 2024. While Pittsburgh is about 75 miles from the path of totality (which passes over Cleveland, Erie, and Buffalo), we will receive a partial eclipse at approximately 97% magnitude during this time.
Mid-eclipse, when the moon blocks out the largest amount of the sun and darkens the sky the most, will occur at approximately 3:17 pm. So while you can see some of the solar eclipse throughout the roughly two-hour window, the best view will come within just a few minutes of 3:17 pm- pending cloud coverage, of course!
So grab your solar eclipse glasses and special filters for your camera lenses and head out to enjoy this wonder of astronomy via a road trip to enjoy totality or by checking out the partial eclipse right here in the city.
For those who are staying close to home and want to celebrate this celestial wonder with others, a few great eclipse events are going on around the city, too!
Allegheny Observatory
It is hard not to think about the Allegheny Observatory when the cosmos is being discussed, and it should be no surprise that Riverview Park will be hosting a viewing party for the experience!
Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and the Pittsburgh Parks Rangers outside the observatory to enjoy this wonder from 2 to 4:30 pm. Viewing glasses will be provided while supplies last. But if you can take your own pair, we highly recommend doing so to be safe.
Although it does not seem that any festivities will be taking place inside the observatory, it is worth noting that public tours resume for the season on select evenings starting April 4th, too!
More details about the eclipse viewing can be found here. More details about tours of the Allegheny Observatory's evening tours can be found here.
Eclipse Extravaganza at the Science Center
The Science Center is hosting an array of events to celebrate the solar eclipse at the museum, the aptly named Eclipse Extravaganza! Museum guests can check out special solar eclipse programming from 11 am to 1 pm, screenings of Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit in the Rangos Giant Cinema, livestreaming of totality from NASA (you can also watch it here), and more space themed programming throughout the day!
Guests will be provided with eclipse glasses as part of general admission tickets while supplies last. Much like the previous event, if you are able to take your own, we recommend doing so to ensure you can have a pair just in case they run out.
More details about the Eclipse Extravaganza can be found here.
Space Bar
Pittsburgh's bar in the stars, Space Bar, is getting into the eclipse fun with a viewing party. Check out the cocktail bar during their special hours on Monday from 1 pm to 6 pm, sip on out-of-this-world libations, including a special cocktail for the event (Black Hole Sun), and head out to Market Square to enjoy the eclipse throughout the day- especially during mid-eclipse at 3:17 pm.
While Space Bar is typically open to the public, the eclipse party has a $5 admission for reserved entry which includes a pair of viewing glasses.
More details about Space Bar's Eclipse Party can be found here.
Where do you plan on watching the eclipse from this year? Comment below to share!
