On Monday, April 8, 2024, Northeast Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. Here is what to expect during a solar eclipse and how to safely observe it:
What is a solar eclipse?
The Moon orbits Earth approximately every 27 days. A solar eclipse is the cosmic coincidence when the Moon passes exactly between the Earth and the Sun, thereby casting a shadow onto Earth and blocking our view of the Sun. Solar eclipses happen about once every 1-2 years.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the path of totality (or the shadow of the Moon) will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. In Northeast Ohio, we will see the Moon completely cover the Sun, revealing the Sun’s outer atmosphere otherwise known as the solar corona.
The Moon will appear to touch the edge of the Sun at 1:59 p.m., beginning the eclipse. Totality will begin seconds before 3:15 p.m. and will last 3 minutes and 40 – 50 seconds.
How can I safely view the total solar eclipse?
Eclipse Glasses
To safely observe the eclipse, you must wear eclipse glasses or number 14 welder’s glass. Do not look at the Sun without solar viewing protection.
Do not look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.
Pinhole Projectors
Another way to view an eclipse is to use a pinhole projector, which has a small opening (for example, a hole punched in an index card) and projects an image of the Sun onto a nearby surface. With the Sun at your back, you can then safely view the projected image.
Kitchen Colander
Take your kitchen colander outdoors and observe its shadows on the ground. The circular holes of your colander will project crescent shapes onto the ground during the partial phases of a solar eclipse.
Links to more information about the total solar eclipse:
The Details
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center will be open for free general admission on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will enjoy viewing live streaming of NASA TV and eclipse activities for all ages. Please note: Preschool classes and public programs will not take place on April 8.
Schedule for Bay Village:
1:59 p.m. – Partial eclipse begins
3:13 p.m. – Totality begins
3:15 p.m. – Maximum eclipse
3:17 p.m. – Totality ends
4:29 p.m. – Partial eclipse ends
Click below for an interactive map to find exact times and durations for your exact location: