Apr 2, 2024 By Brad Hundt 5 min read

Here’s a bet that next Monday afternoon will not be the most productive in workplaces across the Pittsburgh region.

And it’s not because a Pittsburgh sports team is in a crucial playoff game. Rather, what has been called the Great American Eclipse will be unfolding. The region may not be in the solar eclipse’s path of totality – you have to travel to Cleveland or Erie to experience that – but it’s going to be close enough that a lot of people will be clamping on glasses and looking toward the sun as it darkens starting around 2 p.m. They also might want to experience the afternoon getting a little darker, since the eclipse around here will be about 96% total.

This fits the bill as a once-in-a-lifetime event, since another eclipse like this one will not happen in this part of the United States until 2099, so many organizations are planning events to mark the occasion.

In addition, some school districts are going to remote learning next Monday, or dismissing students early.

The Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh’s North Shore is a natural site to experience the eclipse. It will be celebrating “the ultimate cosmic carnival” all day with space-themed live demonstrations, crafting demonstrations for those who have eclipse glasses, and eclipse-related programming in the Buhl Planetarium.

The Science Center’s back deck will be open to view the eclipse, but in case it rains, NASA’s live-stream of it will be shown in the Rangos Giant Cinema, on the Science Stage and in the Buhl Planetarium.

The Science Center has also set up a webpage, https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/events/eclipse-extravaganza-in-pittsburgh/, that has information on eclipses, tips on crafting a secure eclipse projector and the Science Center’s astronomy experts offering information on the different types of eclipses.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Observatory, located in Pittsburgh’s Riverview Park, is another natural location for eclipse watching. The Observatory will be hosting family-friendly activities throughout the day, and showing live NASA footage. A free pair of eclipse-watching glasses will be made available with a general admission ticket while the supplies last. Information is at https://www.facebook.com/events/1475519829731061/.

In Washington County, the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh is hosting an eclipse-viewing event at the Mingo Creek Park Observatory in Finleyville. It will start at 1 p.m. More information is at 3ap.org.

Several libraries in the region have scheduled eclipse-related events. Peters Township Library is teaming up with the township’s parks and recreation department for an eclipse-watching party in Rolling Hills Park at 2 p.m. Viewing glasses will be provided and Auntie Anne’s pretzel truck will be on hand for beverages and snacks. Information is at ptlibrary.org/.

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie is having an eclipse-watching party starting at 2 p.m. Activities are planned, snacks will be available and viewing glasses will be given out. Information is available at carnegiecarnegie.org/.

Mt. Lebanon Public Library is having an eclipse party with the Citizen Science Lab in the library’s upper parking lot at 2 p.m. Viewing glasses will be provided. Information is at mtlebanonlibrary.org/.

The California campus of PennWest University is hosting a party organized by the Student Government Association beginning at 1 p.m. It will be in front of the Natali Student Center, with several student organizations present and viewing glasses available. Information is at www.pennwest.edu/eclipse/.

Rossin Circle at Washington & Jefferson College will be the site of an eclipse party at 2:30 p.m. Viewing glasses and a camera filter will be provided, as well as snacks. It’s being hosted by the Office and Belonging and Engagement.

In Fayette County, the Dr. Lillian School of Holistic Health in Connellsville will have a party on its grounds that will get going at 2 p.m. Tickets are required and organizers are asking those attending to bring lawn chairs, snacks or beverages. Viewing glasses are required, and can be purchased there. Information is available at ronzioschool.com/.

Because of the eclipse, many school districts in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties are either dismissing students from school early that day or going to a flexible instruction day where classes will be online.

Every school district in Greene County is doing a three-hour, early dismissal next Monday, with times varying by school. Fred Morecraft, superintendent of the Carmichaels Area School District, explained the early dismissal would “allow students and staff the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring solar eclipse.”

He added, “This is a fantastic educational opportunity, and we want to ensure everyone can safely enjoy this celestial event.”

Safety is part of the reason the Washington Area School District opted for a flexible instruction day next Monday, according to spokeswoman Sandy Sabot. She noted that “junior and senior high kids all walk to school and dismissal would coincide with the eclipse.”

Staff writer Amy Fauth contributed to this story.