Look to the Skies: Pittsburghers Make Plans for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Celestial Event

Your Total Solar Eclipse Guide for Pittsburgh 😎 🌑☀️

The city — and continent — are preparing for a magical and rare natural event that promises to pause us in our tracks on April 8: a Total Solar Eclipse. The next one to come through the U.S. won’t take place until 2044, reaching only a small portion of Alaska and the region around the Dakotas. And the next Total Solar Eclipse to grace the Pittsburgh area won’t occur until 2144, making this spring’s event all the more special.

Though Pittsburgh won’t be directly in the path of totality, we will come fairly close with 97 percent coverage. Here, eclipse viewing happens between 1:59 and 4:30 p.m., with max totality reached at 3:17 pm. Sunlight will dim for a few minutes, but the sky won’t go entirely dark.

Photo Courtesy: Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center has the Facts

When asked what she remembers most about experiencing the partial eclipse here in 2017 (one that brought 81 percent coverage), Amanda Iwaniec, Director of Theater Experiences at Carnegie Science Center, reflects on the feeling of community and camaraderie surrounding the natural wonder. She explains that the phenomena happens when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, and casts its shadow on the Earth. Eclipse season occurs about twice a year and each season lasts for roughly 35 days.

This total eclipse takes place only when in the new moon phase. This one is particularly notable since it encompasses such a wide swath of land. The path of totality will measure nearly 100 miles across, entering in Mexico and moving through Texas – hitting many well-populated regions in North America where so many residents live — before moving up through Canada. (Often, the shadow falls over oceans since most of the Earth is covered with water).

Also, this time the position of the moon in the sky will allow for a longer period of shadow. Typically this can last from a few seconds up to seven minutes; folks in totality zones this April, however, will experience it for about four minutes.

Photo Courtesy: Carnegie Science Center

Prep for Solar Eclipse Success

Iwaniec’s first words of wisdom are: Have a plan. Many destinations within the path of totality are expecting populations to at least quadruple, and small towns will be completely flooded with excited onlookers — creating a stream of traffic before and after the event. Locally the celestial event likely will draw throngs to spots from Erie and Edinboro to Cleveland, to name just a few.

For those wanting to stay closer to home, Iwaniec excitedly promotes the once-in-a-lifetime, rain-or-shine eclipse extravaganza (included in general admission) being hosted by the Carnegie Science Center. The gathering features special solar observation gear, a mind-blowing solar telescope and a complimentary 3D-printed pinhole projector. Visitors can join an array of activities like decorating eclipse glasses holders and “traveling out of this world” in Buhl Planetarium. No matter the weather, live views can be seen outside or in The Rangos Giant Cinema, state-of-the-art Buhl Planetarium and the Science Stage. The best part of all? Perhaps being surrounded by community and like-minded viewers. See details here.

Iwaniec reminds us that, since the sun will be lower in the sky than in 2017, tall buildings might block some views. And regardless of where you watch, eye safety should be a top priority since staring at the sun with the unaided eye (even brief glimpses) can cause serious harm. Always use proper filters or safe solar projection techniques, and make sure your eclipse glasses are certified; regular sunglasses won’t protect your eyes. ISO certified glasses will be labeled with ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312:2015. (Eclipse glasses also shouldn’t be damaged or scratched before use.)

Iwaniec says you can also make a pinnacle projector (here's detailed instructions on that courtesy of the Science Center) or use something as simple as a slotted spoon or colander.

Photo Courtesy: Carnegie Science Center

Eclipse Plans Throughout the Burgh

Other venues around town have announced celebratory events, too, like downtown’s Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh who will host a rooftop viewing party; tickets include solar eclipse glasses and one complimentary (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) drink ticket. We suspect this list will continue to grow as the 8th approaches.

Around the country, this event has no doubt brought a widespread surge in astro tourism, with Southwest airlines promoting flight routes offering the best eclipse views (including one coming to Pittsburgh from Dallas) and a partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts that featured a sweepstakes and festive “Solarbrations” that will pop up at properties located along the path of totality.

Yet even after the eclipse has come and gone, Pittsburgh promises to stay on theme, thanks to its proximity to towns like Moon, Mars and Apollo — plus the presence of Astrobotic Technology, downtown’s themed Space Bar and the fascinating Moonshot Museum, Pennsylvania's first space museum and the first in the world to focus on career and community readiness for the 21st-century space industry.

Whether you watch the anticipated happening from the solitude of your backyard or among community wanting to take in the views together, we hope the upcoming eclipse feels memorable, mystical, even a little bit out of this world.

More Out-of-This-World Fun

Corinne W

Author

Corinne W

Freelance Writer & Editor

Corinne is happy to be back closer to home (D.C.) after 11 years in the glorious Pacific Northwest. Though she cherishes global adventures, she also lives for discovering local gems, from the best spots for coffee, conversation and soul-nourishing music, to water activities and trails on which to walk a loveable little husky. You can follow her on Instagram at @travelcorx

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