Greetings, Ohio sky gazers!
On April 8, 2024 a total solar eclipse will cast its ephemeral shadow in a 124-mile wide band across Ohio, from 3:08 pm to 3:19 pm EDT. The Moon's shadow will accelerate from about 1995 mph to roughly 2290 mph.
Map Credit: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
A total solar eclipse is a remarkable celestial alignment where the moon positions itself precisely between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow upon our planet. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.
The 2024 TOTAL solar eclipse in Ohio will last no more than five minutes, but a partial solar eclipse will be visible for more than an hour before and an hour after the total eclipse.
Those areas outside this path will witness a partial eclipse throughout.
A total solar eclipse is a rare and spectacular event. Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the entire existence of the United States. On average, one happens somewhere on the Earth once every 1.5 years. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099—75 years from now!
Remember to bring your solar viewing glasses, and find a comfortable spot to observe this astronomical performance here in the Buckeye State.
Happy eclipse watching, Ohio!
