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The Solar Eclipse Everyone’sTalking About

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss! On April 8, 2024, get ready to be dazzled as a total solar eclipse paints the skies of North America. This rare and awe-inspiring phenomenon makes Ohio the place to be to witness the moon’s shadow cast across the country.

Even with all this excitement, it’s important to be well-prepared and informed about the best viewing spots and safety measures to ensure your eclipse experience is a total hit. Check out our rundown below with safety measures, information for the eclipse near you, and cool facts about the eclipse!



Safety Measures:

  • Use certified eye protection at all times. 
  • Expect heavy traffic; we advise stocking up on snacks and food before the event.
  • State troopers will be highly visible on roads before and after the eclipse.
  • Do not attempt to view or capture the eclipse while driving.

Columbus:

  • Weather: 69 degrees, partly sunny, with a 45% cloud cover. Shade feels like 66 degrees.
  • Timeline: Partial eclipse begins at 1:55 PM, totality starts at 3:07 PM, peak viewing at 3:12 PM, and ends at 4:27 PM.

Viewing Events: COSI Viewing Party, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Solarbration, National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

Athens:

Beavercreek:

Details: Approximately 2 minutes and 5.2 seconds of totality; animation link provided.

Cleveland:

  • Resources for 2024 Cleveland Eclipse
  • Weather: 55 degrees, partly sunny, with a 28% cloud cover. Shade feels like 53 degrees.
  • Timeline: Totality lasts for 3 minutes and 48 seconds; partial starts at 1:59 PM, total starts at 3:13 PM, and ends at 3:17 PM, partial eclipse ends at 4:29 PM.

Details: Animation link provided.

Fun Facts:

  • Fun Facts:
    • The moon moves 1.5 inches away from Earth annually. In billions of years, solar eclipses will no longer be viewable on Earth. 
    • Total vs. Partial Solar Eclipse:
      • Total Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are in perfect alignment, and the moon completely obscures the sun’s disc, leading to a temporary darkness known as totality.
      • Partial Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are not perfectly aligned, and the moon only partially covers the sun’s disc, resulting in a crescent-shaped sun.
    • Everyone in the continental U.S. will at least see a partial eclipse on April 8th, 2024.
    • The next solar eclipse with a U.S. viewing will be on August 23, 2044.

To learn more about the upcoming eclipse, visit NASA’s website!