BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Brad Klein reviews the week’s astronomical highlights with Bethlehem’s "Backyard Astronomy Guy," Marty McGuire.
This week, a look forward to the complete solar eclipse that will be visible over much of the Midwest and Eastern US on April 8.
The Lehigh Valley is not directly in the path of the eclipse, but will still see more than 90% of the sun blocked by the moon that afternoon.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. “It turns daytime into nighttime,” McGuire said.
In the Lehigh Valley, the moon will cover the sun about 91%, starting at 2:08 p.m. and ending at 4:35 p.m. The moment when the greatest portion of the sun is blocked locally will be at 3:23 p.m, April 8.
McGuire says that only a tiny portion of Pennsylvania will experience a total eclipse this time.
The path of totality will include the northwest corner of Pennsylvania including Erie.
The next two closest cities to the Lehigh Valley where there will be a visible total eclipse are in New York. Rochester and Buffalo are possible locations, if the skies are clear there.
If you are planning on observing the eclipse this April, you will need to use special solar viewing glasses or use solar filters for binoculars and telescopes in order to prevent damage to your eyes.
