The State College Spikes are teaming up with the Penn State Eberly College of Science to celebrate the spring’s upcoming solar eclipse, according to a release. The duo will host SolarFest to celebrate a partial eclipse that will be visible in State College on Monday, April 8. 

The event will be hosted at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, and admission is free. All attendees will receive a pair of eclipse glasses, courtesy of the Eberly College of Science through the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium. 

Ballpark gates will open at noon for fans to view the moon’s movement into the sun’s path, creating a darkened sky. Happy Valley is located in the unique path of 95% totality to see the solar eclipse. It will be visible at 2:04 p.m., reach maximum eclipse at 3:20 p.m., and conclude at 4:32 p.m. 

A presentation on the science behind the lunar phenomena will also occur during the event. Distinguished senior scholar and professor of astronomy and astrophysics Eric Feigelson will serve as an emcee during the eclipse in a special presentation. 

“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.

Multiple rocket launches will also occur during the event, led by associate research professor James Tutt and other members of the Penn State Rockets for Inclusive Science Education Outreach program. Students for the Exploration and Development of Space will assist in the exciting spectacle. 

A variety of interactive displays will also highlight the importance of science in the community, supported by the Office of Science Outreach. Attendees of all ages can enjoy these fun learning opportunities and a massive, 2,738-square-foot video board showing NASA’s live coverage of the scientific phenomena. 

Concessions and Kids Zone games will be available during the event, too.

“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 President and General Manager Scott Walker said. “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.”