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Local Residents Prepare to Watch Eclipse
By Vickie Babyak
The Tube City Almanac
April 05, 2024
Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
High school teacher Gerald McGrew, from Dravosburg, poses with his student, Nie’Zhay Jefferson, 16 years old, from McKeesport, as he explains the importance of using solar eclipse glasses while looking at the sun. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
On Monday, millions of people will observe a historic total solar eclipse as the moon’s shadow sweeps across the United States.
Mon Valley communities will begin to see the moon’s shadow slowly creep across the sun around 2 p.m. Between 3:15 to 3:20 p.m., viewers will see 97 percent “totality” with some darkness in the sky, and at approximately 4:30 p.m., phases of the eclipse will conclude.
Scientists say this year’s eclipse will be different from the 2017 solar eclipse.
According to NASA, the path of totality is much wider than the 2017 event, and passes over more cities and densely populated areas. The 48 contiguous states in the U.S., plus parts of Alaska and Hawaii, will at least experience a partial eclipse.
Scientists say residents don’t need to live within the path of totality to see the solar eclipse; 99 percent of people in the United States will be able to observe the celestial event from where they live, whether it be a partial or total eclipse.
High school teacher Melissa Starcher, from Dravosburg, poses for a photograph as she checks the effectiveness of a set of solar eclipse glasses. Her recommendation, “Make sure to check for the NASA certification seal when purchasing solar eclipse glasses.” (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
It is very important not to look at the solar eclipse unless you wear NASA approved solar eclipse glasses. Otherwise, the retina can burn from staring at the sun while watching the different phases. The only safe time to look at the eclipse without the protective glasses is during totality.
A number of school districts in the Mon Valley area opted for a virtual day or early dismissal. McKeesport Area School District will have school on the day of the solar eclipse, and will provide solar eclipse glasses for elementary students. Parents are permitted to pick up their children for early dismissal, if they choose to.
Carnegie Library of McKeesport will host an eclipse party beginning at 12 noon on the library lawn. Lawn chairs, glasses and food will be provided. Registration in advance is requested; call (412) 672-0625.
Another way to safely observe the solar eclipse is by constructing a pinhole camera. It uses minimal supplies and can be a fun family project, or incorporated into a science lesson for students. Instructions are available on the NASA website.
April's total solar eclipse is rare and will not be seen again for twenty years in North America. Weather forecasts are calling for a mostly cloudy day on April 8. Hopefully, the skies will be clear enough for community residents to have a remarkable view of the 2024 solar eclipse.
Vickie Babyak is a photographer and freelance writer from Dravosburg. She may be reached at vbabyak@yahoo.com.
Originally published April 05, 2024.
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