A total solar eclipse is always exciting, but it's especially exciting for Northeast Ohio residents in 2024, as Cleveland falls into the path of totality, ensuring nearly four minutes of total darkness in the city come April 8.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 total solar eclipse.
What time will the eclipse take place? How long will it last?
The total solar eclipse will begin at about 1:59 p.m. and fully take place around 3:13 p.m. on April 8, 2024, shrouding Cleveland in darkness for about three minutes and 49 seconds. As if that wasn't interesting enough, the Cleveland Guardians have their home opener on the same day, which will take place at 5:10 p.m., giving everyone time to enjoy both the eclipse and the game.
What is the full path of totality in Northeast Ohio?
You're in luck no matter where you live in the region, as the path of totality covers all of Northeast Ohio. Check out this map from NationalEclipse.com:
What is a total solar eclipse?
Good question, since we're talking about it so much. A total solar eclipse is when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking out the Sun for a short period of time. This phenomenon occurs two to four times per year, but being in the path of totality is a truly special and rare occurrence.
How do I safely view a total solar eclipse?
This is important - when you viewing any type of eclipse, you must wear eclipse glasses, which are darker sunglasses meant to protect your eyes against the Sun's rays (you are looking directly at the Sun here, after all). If you don't have eclipse glasses, you can use other techniques such as pinhole and optical projections or solar filters for telescopes, binoculars, and cameras.
When will Cleveland be in the path of totality again?
See, this is why you'll want to give yourself every chance to be a part of the total solar eclipse on April 8, because the next time Cleveland will be in the path of totality for a solar eclipse won't happen again until the year 2444.
When was the last time Cleveland - or any of Ohio - was in the path of totality?
The last time Ohio was darkened by a total solar eclipse was in 1806, so you can see why people are so excited about this event, and why thousands of people will likely be traveling from around the country to experience it.
Where's the best place to enjoy the total solar eclipse?
As you might imagine, the city is going to be celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime event a whole bunch of different ways:
- The Cleveland Guardians are planning their own secret home opener celebration like we mentioned above.
- The Museum of Natural History has a weekend-long celebration leading up to the watch parties they're hosting at Wade Oval.
- The Great Lakes Science Center is hosting Total Eclipse Fest 2024, which will feature a ton of family-friendly activities, a concert by the Cleveland Orchestra, and more.
- The Cleveland Metroparks will be hosting a series of speakers leading up to the event.
Plus, there's Lake Erie itself, which should provide some pretty magnificent views of the total solar eclipse. The biggest X-factor in all of this is that we're talking about Cleveland in April, which sometimes still feels like the dead of winter. So it remains to be seen what the weather will be like on this momentous day. Let's just say you might need to bundle up if you're going to be posting up by the lake.
What are some other solar eclipse events taking place?
- Lake Erie College in Painesville is hosting an eclipse viewing party on Jack Slattery Field.
- Cedar Point is hosting "Total Eclipse of the Point," which you might need to attend based on the name alone.
- Crocker Park is hosting "Total Eclipse of the Park" (sensing a theme here), in which you'll get eclipse glasses and be able to listen to music, take advantage of special sales, and more.
- The first 100 customers at Bookhouse Brewing will get free solar eclipse glasses.
- You can also enjoy the eclipse from the bleachers of the Baseball Heritage Museum.
- Speaking of museums, the Akron Art Museum will have a collection of solar-themed art for you, along with a variety of other fun activities.
- Cities all over the region are hosting watch parties of some kind, including Beachwood, Euclid, Chardon, Norwalk, Fairport Harbor, Avon Lake, Hinckley, Streetsboro, Kent, and many more.