2024 Solar Eclipse Information
Thank you for joining us!
Happy Valley was in a path of 95 percent totality for the April 8 solar eclipse. Thank you to the more than 8,400 Penn State and local community members who joined Eberly College of Science faculty, staff, and students for the SolarFest public viewing event and science activities! Despite the clouds, it was a record-setting attendance for Medlar Field at Lubrano Park!
Where can I recycle my solar eclipse safety glasses?
We were so happy to be able to prove the community with thousands of solar eclipse glasses, and we’d love if you can recycle them.
Two astronomy association-endorsed organizations with whom you could recycle your glasses include:
Donate solar eclipse glasses
The College of Agricultural Sciences is asking you to donate any undamaged solar eclipse glasses you may have to redistribute to children in other countries who do not have access to certified glasses so they may enjoy future eclipses without risking their eyesight.
The collection will be happening now through May 15. Drop boxes are in the locations below.
- Dean’s Office 201 Ag Administrative Building
- Extension Office 323 Ag Administrative Building
- Ag Human Resources Office 307 Ag Administrative Building
- Liberal Arts Human Resources Office 116 Sparks Building
- 4-H Extension Office 115 ASI
Questions can be directed to Erikka Runkle, HR Strategic Partner, in the Agricultural Sciences HR Office at Aghroffice@psu.edu.
Media coverage
- Centre Daily Times: Penn State's SolarFest draws thousands hoping to catch a glimpse of eclipse in cloudy skies
- WTAJ-TV: Thousands attend SolarFest to watch eclipse over State College
- WTAJ-TV: "Ask the Expert" at SolarFest
- StateCollege.com: Thousands visit Medlar Field for SolarFest Eclipse Event
- WPSU: Thousands gather at Penn State to view cloud-covered solar eclipse
- Centre Daily Times: Where will you watch the April 8 eclipse? Here are some suggestions in Centre County
- The Conversation: Solar eclipses result from a fantastic celestial coincidence of scale and distance (also published in Yahoo, Astronomy Magazine, Fast Company, the Centre Daily Times and the San Francisco Chronicle).
- StateCollege.com: SolarFest to Offer Community Viewing Event and Activities for Eclipse
- Centre Daily Times: Penn State, Spikes team up to host eclipse viewing party. What to know about SolarFest
- Penn State News: Got eclipse questions? Eberly experts have the answers
- 98.7 FOX: The BIG Solar Eclipse April 8 -- need to know
- Penn State News: The Medical Minute: Experience the solar eclipse while protecting your vision
- Onward State: State College Spikes To Host SolarFest With Eberly College Of Science
- WTAJ: Penn State and State College Spikes team up for SolarFest
- The Sentinel: Spikes have SolarFest on April 8
- Penn State News: SolarFest offers April 8 eclipse viewing, science activities
Hear from our experts
What is an eclipse?
Chris Palma, teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics, demonstrates what a solar eclipse is and what happens when we see one.
What is SolarFest?
Listen to Randy McEntaffer, professor and department head of astronomy and astrophysics, share more about this exciting event, where he’ll be giving a rocket launch demonstration.
Where can I see the 2024 solar eclipse?
Did you know that you can see the 2024 solar eclipse on April 8 right in your own backyard in Pennsylvania?
Four terms that you might hear during the solar eclipse
Professor and Department Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics Randy McEntaffer defines four terms that you might hear during the solar eclipse on April 8.
Do you know why solar eclipses don’t seem to happen that often?
Robert Morehead, associate teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics, breaks down why and what makes them so unique.
What will totality look like?
Randy McEntaffer, professor and department head of astronomy and astrophysics, describes what totality will look and feel like.
Why do solar eclipses move eastward even though the sun sets in the west?
Eric Feigelson, Distinguished Senior Scholar and professor of astronomy and astrophysics, breaks down why this is the case in our latest video.
Do animals really change their behavior during solar eclipses?
Verne M. Willaman Dean Tracy Langkilde, who studies animal behavior, shares some ways that animals may act during a solar eclipse.
How do solar eclipses affect solar panels?
If you have solar panels, you might be wondering how the solar eclipse on April 8 will affect them. Jason Wright, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, explains how this phenomenon will affect your solar panels.
Is there current scientific value in studying eclipses today?
Professor and Department Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics Randy McEntaffer addresses this question and the importance of studying eclipses today.
What is more common, a solar or lunar eclipse?
Listen to Chris Palma, teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics, explain which type of eclipse is more common and why.
How long with the solar eclipse on April 8 be visible?
If you’re curious about the timeline of the solar eclipse (so you don’t miss it), Eric Feigelson, Distinguished Senior Scholar and professor of astronomy and astrophysics, explains how long the eclipse will last and what the best viewing times are.
Can I photograph the solar eclipse with my smartphone
Robert Morehead, associate teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics, explains some best practices to help you capture photos of the solar eclipse on April 8.
Jason Wright featured on the Centre County Report
Check out this clip of Jason Wright, faculty members in the department of astronomy and astrophysics, sharing a fun tip on how you can see some interesting shadows during the partial stage of the eclipse!
How can you safely observe the solar eclipse
Chris Palma, teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics, talks about the importance of wearing special glasses so you can look at the solar eclipse safely. (The Nittany Lion is even prepared with his own pair!)
Chris Palma on 3WZ Radio
Our very own Teaching Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics Chris Palma joined State College Spikes General Manager Scott Walker on 3WZ Radio to talk about the upcoming solar eclipse and SolarFest on April 8.
Enjoy this snippet from the radio broadcast.
When will the next solar eclipse be observable in PA?
Robert Morehead, associate teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics, shares when the next one will occur in our neck of the woods. Here’s a hint: You might want to check out the one on April 8.
Who caught a glimpse of the solar eclipse through the clouds in State College on April 8th?
Thanks for being part of a record-breaking crowd at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park! We hope you enjoyed great company, tasty food, and fun science activities during SolarFest.
