Total Eclipse of the Sun - April 8, 2024
On Monday, April 8, 2024, people in a narrow path stretching from Mexico to Maine (referred to as the "path of totality") will experience a total eclipse of the Sun. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon casts a shadow as it moves between the Earth and the Sun. The distance between the Moon and the Earth is enough that the Moon appears to entirely block the Sun, creating a few minutes of fascinating darkness. Cleveland Metroparks is excited to be within this path, sharing this phenomenon with our communities.
Eclipse photo by Lonnie Dettrick.
The last time a total solar eclipse darkened anywhere in Ohio was in 1806 and it won’t happen again in Cleveland until 2444. During totality, the period when the Sun is completely covered, it will likely become dark enough for streetlights to come on and some stars to be visible. It is likely that many people who live outside the path of totality will travel to the Greater Cleveland area to view the eclipse.
Eclipse timing:
- The total eclipse of the Sun happens locally on Monday, April 8, 2024.
- The Moon will appear to touch the edge of the Sun at 1:59 p.m., beginning the eclipse.
- Totality will happen just seconds before 3:15 p.m.
- Totality will last about 3 minutes and 40 – 50 seconds depending on where you are in the path.
- The Moon will appear to have passed the Sun, finishing the eclipse, at 4:29 p.m.
Eclipse viewing safety:
- It is never safe to look at the Sun without solar viewing protection.
- It is never safe to point a camera, telescope, or other viewing device at the Sun without a solar filter.
- If using a solar filter with a viewing device such as a camera, phone, or telescope, you must put the filter on the lens closest to the Sun (not between the device and your eye).
- You can view the Sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the eclipse phases before and after totality.
- You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection ONLY when the Moon completely obscures the Sun during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
- As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.
- Safe ways to view an eclipse without glasses involve looking indirectly at the Sun, such as projecting the Sun through a pinhole onto a piece of paper.
Links for more information about the eclipse:
Viewing the eclipse in Cleveland Metroparks
- Check back for more details about viewing the 2024 solar eclipse in Cleveland Metroparks.
- Check back for more details on getting your own Cleveland Metroparks solar eclipse viewing glasses.
Eclipse photo by Chuck Reinhart.