Ohio Total Solar Eclipse

When is it?

On April 8, 2024 Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1806. Experiencing a total solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime opportunity as the next one in Ohio won't come around again until 2099 and won't be passing through Geauga County again until 2444. The path of the total solar eclipse will stretch from Mexico, all the way to Maine crossing major cities like Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo. Of the 88 counties in Ohio, 55 of them will see the total solar eclipse. The remaining 33 counties will witness a partial solar eclipse.

What is it?

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun and casting a shadow on the Earth. "When a solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife sometimes wakes up, thinking that it is nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it's time for bed" (NASA).

What Time is it?

In Northeast Ohio, the eclipse will start at approximately 1:59 pm with the total eclipse occurring around 3:15 pm. In Ohio the total eclipse itself will only last for approximately 3 minutes 52 seconds at the centerline of the 115 mile wide totality zone. Here in Geauga County it will last around 3 minutes 30 seconds, give or take a few seconds. Avon Lake in Lorain County will experience the eclipse for the full 3 minutes 52 seconds. The entire eclipse from beginning to end will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What is there to do?

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) has been planning for the eclipse for the past couple years as they are expecting a large influx of people in and around the time of the eclipse. According to the OEMA, Ohio is within a one day drive for ~ 70% of the country's population so Ohio will be a target destination for many people. The OEMA is encouraging people to come early and stay late to avoid being stuck in traffic on the day of the eclipse. OEMA has created a couple interactive maps showing the different things to do within the state (See Link Below).

The 3 different interactive applications show things to do in Ohio, where to view the eclipse, as well as where police & fire departments and hospitals are located. The application will be super useful for tourists coming to the area that are unfamiliar with the county and surrounding area.

The University of Michigan did a study after the 2017 total solar eclipse. Their study showed that approximately 20 million adults traveled from their home area to another area to view the solar eclipse that crossed 14 states stretching from Oregon to South Carolina.

The Great Lakes Science Center hosted a viewing party in 2017 where they streamed the total solar eclipse and had fun activities to do during the day. All 400 parking spaces in their parking lot were filled during that time. For the 2024 total solar eclipse, they again will be partnering with NASA and will be offering fun filled eclipse related programming to celebrate the event.

How do I view it?

To view the solar eclipse before and after totality, you need to wear protective glasses, which can be purchased online. During the last total solar eclipse in 2017 Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon sold protective glasses. "During the short time when the moon completely obscures the sun – known as the period of totality – it is safe to look directly at the star, but it's crucial that you know when to take off and put back on your glasses" (NASA).

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has a list of reputable vendors where you can purchase protective glasses. AAS also has information for libraries to receive glasses for free and can also provide fun solar eclipse activities for school aged kids. See Link Below.

What about the Weather?

Being in northeast Ohio we are very familiar with how gloomy the weather can be, especially in April. So will we even be able to see the eclipse? In previous years the weather has been both grey and gloomy but it also has been warm and sunny. Coming to northeast Ohio to see the eclipse will be a risk, but it's a risk people will be willing to take. Below is weather from the Farmers Almanac for the previous years in Chardon, OH. (https://www.farmersalmanac.com/weather-history).

When can we see another Total Solar Eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse won't be seen in the United States until August 23, 2044 and then again on August 12, 2045. Including the April 8, 2024 eclipse, a total solar eclipse will occur 3 times between now and 2050 in the lower 48 states.