How to watch the April 8 solar eclipse in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Do you have your protective solar eclipse-viewing glasses yet? We’re just two weeks away from the highly anticipated disappearing act across the country. The afternoon sky will go dark for several minutes as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth.

The solar eclipse will be visible across America on April 8 . In Philadelphia, only a partial eclipse will be visible because the region is off the path of totality, but experts say it will still make for a good show, provided there are clear skies.

From Philadelphia’s vantage point, the moon will cover 90% of the sun, with 10% of the sun’s surface exposed. For those who remember the last solar eclipse in 2017, the Philadelphia region saw about 80% coverage.

Erie, Pennsylvania is the closest place in the commonwealth to see a full eclipse.

In Philadelphia, the partial eclipse will begin at 2:08 pm. The maximum eclipse can be seen at 3:23 p.m. and end at 4:35 p.m. During that time, The Franklin Institute is hosting a free viewing party in front of the museum.

There will be several viewing options, too.

“We are going to have a couple of these pop-up tents that will have a panel replaced with a filter that allows safe viewing of the eclipse,” said Adam Piazza, Franklin Institute experiences producer and talent manager. “We’ll have some telescopes and we will also have sunspotters that project the sun onto a piece of paper, so guests who may feel concerned with looking up to the sky in some manner have another way of looking at the event.”

Of course, safety comes first. Skygazers must use approved, certified eclipse-viewing glasses to protect their eyes during the solar event. They’re available for purchase at the Franklin’s science store as well as various stores online.

Additionally, don’t forget to equip your camera and binoculars with safe-viewing filters beforehand.

Entertainment, food and a beer garden will also be available at the Franklin’s block party. For more information, visit fi.edu .