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When is the Solar Eclipse 2024

On April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse cuts a 124-mile path across the Empire State dubbed the path of totality. Areas within the path of totality could experience total darkness for up to 4 minutes. The eclipse begins in western New York shortly after 2pm. Depending on your location, the full eclipse is set to begin around 3:15 pm and end around 3:30 pm.

Viewers in Philadelphia will witness a partial eclipse, blocking about 85% of the sun.

Tips for Viewing the Solar Eclipse 2024 Safely

Whether you plan to view the solar eclipse in the path of totality or beyond, be forewarned: Eclipse glasses are necessary to avoid serious eye damage. While some of the events below will hand out solar eclipse glasses, we suggest ordering your own in advance. Amazon offers several options, but order now or risk missing out.

Where To Watch the Solar Eclipse 2024 in Philly

1. Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at the Independence Visitor Center – Philadelphia

Witness the solar eclipse at The Liberty View terrace at the Independence Visitor Center, with key timings from 2:08 p.m. for the partial eclipse to 4:35 p.m. when it ends. Enjoy the stunning views of Independence Hall while using provided protective eyewear for safe solar observation, as direct sun exposure can harm your eyes.

2. Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at the Franklin Institute – Philadelphia

Join the Franklin Institute’s Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts for a free community-wide solar eclipse viewing party from 1:30 to 5:00 pm at the front of the Museum Steps along the 20th Street sidewalk. Safely observe the eclipse under large solar filter tents or through specially equipped telescopes, with eclipse glasses available. Enjoy eclipse-themed food and drinks, entertainment by D.J. Ben Arsenal, and a special TFI Solar Eclipse donut from Federal Donuts for the first 200 guests to celebrate TFI's 200th Anniversary.

3. Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties at Various Branches of the Philadelphia Free Library – Philadelphia

Throughout the city, the Free Library of Philadelphia branches will host pre-eclipse watching parties, and then invite guests to watch the eclipse at neighboring parks. Some libraries will have free glasses for a limited number of guests. For a list of participating libraries, click here.

4. Total Eclipse of the Sun 2024: A FREE Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at The Wagner Free Institute of Science – Philadelphia

Join the Wagner Institute for a free celestial celebration with activities and multiple viewing opportunities for the eclipse, including loaned eclipse-viewing glasses, telescope demonstrations, pinhole projectors, and a NASA livestream in their lecture hall. Don’t forget to register in advance for the event.

5. Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Wissahickon Environmental Center – Philadelphia

Meet at the Tree House to walk to the Andora Meadow to watch the eclipse. The team will provide solar projectors and to bring a special telescope, but guests must bring their own eclipse viewing glasses

6. Shoot for the Stars Eclipse Edition at Jefferson Gardens – Philadelphia

"Shoot for the Stars Eclipse Edition!" is an event organized by APS Education staff, featuring the distribution of eclipse viewing glasses and space-related activities, including LightSound device demonstrations. The event will be held at the APS Jefferson Garden, open to the public with free admission (while supplies last, one pair of glasses per person), and may include photography or video for educational and promotional purposes. Materials are provided by the NISE Network and the LightSound Project at Harvard University.

7. Solar Eclipse Public Viewing West Chester University – West Chester

The Mather Planetarium at West Chester University will host an eclipse viewing event at the S Lot on South Campus, featuring free eclipse glasses for the first 750 visitors, telescope viewing, and interactive activity tables. Please note that the event is weather dependent, and updates will be provided on our website and Facebook page in case of cancellation due to bad weather.

8. Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Valley Forge National Historical Park – Valley Forge

Experience the solar eclipse at Valley Forge's Wayne's Woods picnic area with free eclipse glasses (limited availability), Junior Ranger badge, solar telescope viewing, and educational programs on eclipse science and historical significance during the Revolutionary War.