It is a much-anticipated day across the country as the solar eclipse will take place this afternoon.
The solar eclipse happens when the sun is blocked temporarily by the moon, causing darkness to fall. In a very rare occasion, the eclipse will be visible in the United States, and Western Pennsylvania will be in what is called “the path of totality”. Peak eclipse time for Indiana County is expected to be 3:18 PM.
Because of this, several area school districts are altering their schedules. Homer-Center, Penns Manor, Purchase Line, and United will dismiss students early. Indiana County Head Start and Marion Center Schools are closed for the day. River Valley students will have a flexible instruction day. Indiana high school students will be dismissed early today, but elementary students will remain at school for eclipse-related activities.
There will also be an eclipse-viewing event co-sponsored by the YMCA of Indiana County and the Indiana Free Library. The event from 2-4 at the Y on Ben Franklin Road will include space trivia, kids activities and light refreshments. Viewing glasses will be provided.
And people are reminded that eclipse viewing glasses are needed to look at the eclipse directly. Looking at the sun directly during the eclipse could cause irreparable damage to the eye.
