For nearly four minutes in April 2024, curious onlookers can (safely) observe the moon’s shadow fly over Edinboro during the Great American Eclipse of 2024.

For this moment as the moon passes between the sun and Earth on April 8, thousands of visitors to the Erie and Edinboro regions will witness the darkened sky, joining a handful of cities in the path of totality – the direct path of the moon’s shadow.

Dr. David Hurd, director of Edinboro’s planetarium, will dig into this event during a series of 10 historic shows, to explore what will occur during the April eclipse and how to observe safely.

Planetarium shows – dubbed “The Greatest Show on Earth” – will begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22*, Feb. 6 and 21, March 11 and 26 and April 3, 5 and 7. Two additional shows will be featured at 2 and 4 p.m., April 7. All shows will be held in the Cooper Science Center planetarium in Cooper Circle on Edinboro’s campus.

Additionally, all guests who attend the planetarium shows will receive free eclipse glasses for safe viewing.

Programs are free, but reservations are required at the Edinboro Planetarium link or by calling 814-732-2493.

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* Notes a show that is at capacity. No additional registrations will be accepted.

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Diagram of solar eclipse