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April 8th Solar Eclipse

The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, presents a significant astronomical event for observers in Pennsylvania and across North America. As the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, it will cast a shadow over the Earth, resulting in a total eclipse visible within a specific path of totality and a partial eclipse observable over a wider area.

In Pennsylvania, the path of totality, where observers can experience the total eclipse, will include regions such as Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Mercer counties The duration of the total eclipse phase in these areas is expected to be from about 3:15 P.M. to 3:20 P.M. EDT​. Beyond the path of totality, a substantial portion of Pennsylvania will experience a partial solar eclipse, with at least 90% of the sun’s disk covered by the moon. This extensive coverage ensures that the event will still be significant for those outside the direct path. It’s crucial for all observers, whether viewing a total or partial eclipse, to use proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, to prevent eye injury from the sun’s rays​ (DCNR_PA)​.

Erie is recommended as a strategic location for eclipse viewing, especially near Presque Isle State Park, which offers an advantageous viewpoint for maximizing the duration of totality. The mobility of observers is also advised to be considered, especially in the event of unfavorable weather conditions, with Interstate 90 and Interstate 79 serving as vital routes for accessing optimal viewing locations. Pennsylvania State University’s Eberly College of Science will be holding Solarfest, a community watch party and eclipse celebration, at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in State College, PA. Admission will be free for the event with ballpark gates opening at noon. Community members attending Solarfest will receive a free pair of eclipse safety glasses, provided by the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, with which to view the movement of the moon into the sun’s path. More information about activities going at the event can be found on the Solarfest event page.

Preparation is key to fully experiencing the solar eclipse. Viewers are encouraged to obtain eclipse glasses well in advance, consider accommodation options, and stay informed about the weather. Such measures will enhance the safety and enjoyment of this celestial event​ (Great American Eclipse)​.

Please visit our Eclipse page for more information about the eclipse, eclipse events across the state, and LIVE video streams from aboard research balloons being launched into the atmosphere during the eclipse!

The Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium (PSGC) is one of 52 members of “NASA Space Grant.” NASA Space Grant is a national network of colleges and universities in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico that were created and now supported by NASA. The 52 consortia fund fellowships and scholarships for students pursuing careers in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (STEM) as well as curriculum enhancement and faculty development. Member colleges and universities also administer pre-college and public service education projects in their states.

Our mission at PSGC is to expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians to learn about and participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space programs by supporting STEM education, research, and outreach programs. We do this by working to achieve the following objectives.

Our Objectives are:

• Develop and promote opportunities for students to participate in research and discovery.
• Provide graduate and undergraduate training in NASA-related fields through the mechanism of fellowship and scholarship awards.
• Support the development of interdisciplinary courses, curricula, and workshops, including introductory courses designed for undergraduate students not majoring in scientific or technological disciplines.
• Model diversity in space grant leadership, programs, and activities; implement programs targeted at increasing retention rate of students from underrepresented groups in science and engineering.
• Provide information and programs to increase access to the excitement knowledge, and technology from America’s earth, air, and space programs; establish PSGC as a viable state resource and catalyst for aerospace research, education, and economic development.
• Cultivate a statewide network of partners from universities, industry, museums, science centers, state, and local agencies to pursue aerospace research, education, and economic development goals
• Develop earth, air, and space programs to enhance public scientific literacy and to complement community needs.

The primary way we achieve our objectives is through the various programs at our lead institution and at affiliate campuses. These programs are designed to parallel the individual strengths of those institutions, while complementing our strategic goals and the overall need of the commonwealth.  Our programming emphasizes NASA-related undergraduate and graduate student research by support of fellowships, scholarships, and higher education program. Diversity is always a consideration in program design as we strive to engage more students from minority and underrepresented populations in STEM.

Our Fundamental Programs are:

• NASA Center Internships
• Statewide Undergraduate Scholarships
• Graduate Research Fellowships
• Undergraduate Hands-On Research Experiences
• University Space Programs Laboratories
• Student-Led High-Altitude Balloon and Rocketry Projects
• Mini Grants for Early Career Faculty and Academic Researchers
• Professional Development Workshops for STEM Educators
• Informal STEM Education Events and Activities for K-12 and Community Involvement

If you are interested in any of our programs, please check the Support section in the upper right-hand corner to learn more about them. If you have any specific questions or interests in our programs, please contact us at spacegrant@psu.edu.

Contact us

The PSGC’s administration office at Penn State’s University Park campus is proceeding with normal operations as we function in a hybrid in-office and telework mode.

The PSGC administration office is in Suite 218 in the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, 2217 Earth-Engineering Sciences Building. Please contact us at spacegrant@psu.edu.

Sincerely,

Dr. Christopher H. House,  Director
Dr. Erin DiMaggio, Associate Director
Jessica Fetchko, Program Coordinator
Clayton Gardner, Program Delivery Specialist
Caitlin Teti, Education Support Specialist