With the total solar eclipse – nicknamed “The Great American Eclipse” – appearing over the skies of campus on Monday, April 8, PennWest is preparing to celebrate this celestial event with a schedule of education, entertainment and excitement on each of our campuses.
The fun will begin at 1:30 p.m. April 8 in front of Natali Student Center. Please be sure to stop there to pick up free eclipse glasses. These glasses are certified to be safe to view the eclipse. Remember that viewing the eclipse without appropriate glasses can damage your eyes. Visit https://www.pennwest.edu/eclipse for more information on university events. Visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/ for other details about the Great North American Eclipse. The California campus will experience 95.9% coverage during the event.
Eclipse times:
These California campus locations will provide the best unobstructed view of the sky:
These California student clubs and organizations are scheduled to be in front of Natali to provide eclipse glasses and snacks:
The fun will begin at 1:30 p.m. April 8 on the quad between the Science and Technology Center and Harvey Hall. Student Senate will distribute free eclipse glasses from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 4 at Eagle Commons. Glasses will be available at the Gemmell info desk and at the watch party. These glasses are certified to be safe to view the eclipse. Remember that viewing the eclipse without appropriate glasses can damage your eyes. Visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/ for more information on the Great North American Eclipse. The Clarion campus will experience 99% coverage during the event.
Eclipse times:
Those attending should bring something to sit on. Yard games will be available to play. UAB will offer a suncatcher activity. UPMC will host a photo booth area with a space-themed backdrop, celestial props and giveaways. Eclipse-themed snacks will be available.
As a reminder, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Looking at any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the moon completely obscures the sun's bright face – during the brief period known as totality. You'll know it's safe when you no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.
Solar eclipse glasses will be available at the event, available on a first come, first served basis.
While on campus, please report all Emergencies to the University Police at 814-732-2911.
On the day of the event, please park in designated parking lots and spaces. Do not park in the grass. No parking permits will be required or enforced. Overnight camping is not permitted. Bus parking will be available in the Cooper Science Center parking lot. If your group is traveling by bus, please contact Lisa at 814-732-1608 for more information.
Seating will not be provided at the event. Please bring a chair or blanket.
Public restrooms will be available at the event in the Jeremy D. Brown Human Services Building parking lot and select campus buildings.
Food trucks will be on site at the event in the Jeremy D. Brown Human Services Building parking lot. Also, food will be available for purchase in the Frank G. Pogue Student Center’s Food Court and the Van Houten Dining Hall.
WFSE will be providing live coverage during the event. Tune in to 88.9 for an educational narration or at the livestream link for an educational narration.
Click or scan the QR code to order your eclipse t-shirt!
Tactile Engineering (producer of the Cadence Tablet) in conjunction with PennWest Edinboro will provide free tactile eclipse books developed by NASA, PennWest University and College of Charleston at the PennWest Edinboro Watch Party. Areal-time live feed of the eclipse will be provided by NASA from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Resources will be available near the Information Table.
Witness the eclipse in real-time using tactile tablets rain or shine!
Download PennDOT’s 511PA mobile app to help plan your trip and stay up to date on the latest traffic patterns.
For more eclipse related events check out Erie's Total Solar Eclipse - Visit Erie.
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