Penn State’s Eberly College of Science is teaming up with the State College Spikes for a special community viewing event for the solar eclipse on Monday.
SolarFest will take place at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, with gates opening at noon.
Centre County is in a path of 95% totality for the solar eclipse, and the event will welcome the public for an afternoon of science activities, expert discussions and a community viewing of the phenomenon.
“Bringing science into our communities is a key mission for the college and our department,” Randy McEntaffer, department head and professor of astronomy and astrophysics, said in a news release. “As in years past, we’re so excited to experience this phenomenon alongside our fellow community members and share the science behind it.”
Those attending SolarFest will receive a free pair of eclipse safety glasses, provided by the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, with which to view the movement of the moon into the sun’s path. The partial eclipse will begin to be seen at 2:04 p.m., reach its maximum eclipse at 3:20 p.m., and end at 4:32 p.m.
Eric Feigelson, Distinguished Senior Scholar and professor of astronomy and astrophysics, will make a special presentation during the event and serve as emcee while the eclipse takes place, describing the science behind the phenomenon.
SolarFest will include a variety of interactive science-themed displays for attendees of all ages. Astronomy and astrophysics faculty and instructors from the Penn State Rockets for Inclusive Science Education outreach program will join members of Penn State Students for the Exploration and Development of Space in leading multiple rocket launches, and NASA’s livestream will be displayed on the ballpark’s video board.
Concessions and Kids Zone games will also be available during the event.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming fans from across Happy Valley to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park to SolarFest for what promises to be an astronomical event on April 8,” Spikes General Manager Scott Walker said in a release. “We invite everyone to join us and the Eberly College of Science to witness this spectacular solar eclipse and reach a better understanding of how, together, we can reach for the stars.”
Parking is available the public at $1 per hour in the commuter lots (Stadium West, Jordan East and Porter North) using ParkMobile zone 95112 or one of the in-lot pay stations. Those with a valid Penn State parking permit may park in the commuter lots at no charge. If lots reach capacity, drivers should follow overflow signs and directions from parking staff.
The last total solar eclipse in the United States occurred in 2017, but its path of totality was 62 to 71 miles wide, smaller than the 108 to 122 miles that Monday’s eclipse will cover, according to NASA. The State College area saw the sun 80% eclipsed in 2017.
