Ways to watch the partial eclipse in Philadelphia
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Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
Philadelphians don't have to leave the city to get a great view of today's solar eclipse.
Why it matters: It's the first partial partial eclipse in Philly since 2017.
How to watch: Today's partial solar eclipse will take place from 2:08-4:34pm in the city, per NASA.
- Maximum coverage (nearly 89%) will occur at 3:23pm.
Zoom in: With mostly sunny conditions in store, viewing conditions should be ideal.
Zoom out: The nearest spot to catch the total eclipse is in Erie, Crawford, Mercer and Warren counties in Northwest Pennsylvania.
- If you plan on going there today, you'll have to hurry: It's at least a five-hour drive and traffic delays are expected.
- The totality will last about 4 minutes in those Pennsylvania counties, per NASA.
1 cool thing: Total solar eclipses are rare. There have been just 16 in the U.S. since 1869.
Be smart: Don't look up at the eclipse without glasses or you could damage your eyes.
- There are other ways to experience the eclipse, like a cereal box viewer or a colander.
What they're saying: "The 'miracle' of an eclipse is how the moon and sun travel through the vastness of space and line up exactly to produce something beautiful, if only for a few minutes," Bhuvnesh Jain, an astrophysics expert at the University of Pennsylvania, tells Axios.
- He added that he's looking forward to collecting scientific data about the sun's corona during the total eclipse or the fleeting and superhot flashes of gas that escape from inside the sun.
😎 Where to watch
- Franklin Institute: A community viewing party will run from 1:30-5pm, including solar viewing stations, a beer garden and music.
- Morris Arboretum & Gardens: Visitors can make cereal box viewers or receive eclipse glasses. Free with price of admission ($10-$20).
- Independence Visitor Center: Meet at the Liberty View terrace.
- Marconi Park: The Free Library and SciStarter will host this family-friendly event in South Philly from 1-4pm where you can participate in science projects.
Plus: NASA is broadcasting the eclipse from 1-4pm on NASA TV, nasa.gov, the NASA app and on YouTube.