BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Individuals in search of the excitement of totality during a solar eclipse will need to venture beyond the Lehigh Valley to witness it. This fact is well understood by enthusiasts anticipating the upcoming event. The total solar eclipse is set to traverse North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with the path of totality cutting through parts of western Pennsylvania. While the Lehigh Valley is poised to witness approximately 92% coverage, Moravian University adjunct professor Gary A. Becker anticipates a “wonky” sight.
For some residents, the journey to totality has been a long-anticipated plan, while for others, like Ryan Murphy and Alex O’Neill from Macungie, it was a last-minute decision spurred by a friend’s trip to Texas to view the eclipse. The duo quickly organized a trip involving a 297-mile drive in Murphy’s compact Honda Civic to Pittsburgh, with a stop at Wawa along the way, before continuing to a less congested location like Ohio at dawn on Monday.
Although their original plan was to observe the eclipse from Presque Isle State Park in Erie County, a spontaneous change of heart led them to opt for a different location. Despite the anticipated expenses of at least $150 for tolls and gas, Murphy views this venture as a short-term investment for a long-lasting memory.
Murphy has prepared by acquiring a solar filter for his camera to capture the event, but his primary goal is to immerse himself in the experience. Reflecting on the 2017 partial eclipse in the Lehigh Valley, Murphy admits to feeling indifferent at the time. With the next total solar eclipse in the United States not expected for another two decades, Murphy and O’Neill felt compelled to seize this unique opportunity.
Andrew McConville, an astronomy teacher at Emmaus High School, has been meticulously planning his eclipse experience. After being captivated by the 2017 eclipse, he resolved to witness it again. Describing total solar eclipses as a completely different phenomenon, McConville arranged a four-day trip to Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York with college friends and their families. There, totality is projected to last approximately 2 minutes and 50 seconds.
For McConville, this celestial event holds immense significance, akin to witnessing one of life’s most extraordinary spectacles. He is prepared to travel as far as necessary to witness this cosmic marvel, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of the experience. While he intends to document the event for educational purposes, McConville aims to fully immerse himself in the moment, foregoing the temptation to view it solely through a lens.
Excitement is palpable as individuals like McConville eagerly anticipate sharing this awe-inspiring event with loved ones, embracing the profound sense of humanity and wonder that such celestial occurrences evoke.