On April 8, 2024 a total solar eclipse will cross North America. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun.
People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon's shadow completely covers the Sun - known as the path of totality - will experience a total solar eclipse. 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.
Hundreds of thousands of people will want to view this once-in-a-lifetime experience. (The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next one to pass over Ohio is predicted for 2099.)
At a Media Preview day on February 13, 2024 at the Great Lakes Science Center we were able to speak with experts from NASA, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Orchestra about the eclipse and how best to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. See photos and videos from NASA and the Great Lakes Science Center
Many will want to capture the moment with their camera or phone. Learn why this can be dangerous and damaging. Sara Lowthian-Hanna, Lead Photographer at NASA Glenn, not only gave us safety precautions but some great photographer advice for shooting during the eclipse.
Chris Hartenstine from NASA's Public Engagement team showed us, with a globe and a model of the moon, how and why the eclipse will happen. Chris showed us the map of the path of the eclipse which is within a day's travel of most of the population of the United States. He called it a "very geographically friendly shadow path."
As Chris shows us, Cleveland has a very special viewing potential. He shows us on the map how Cleveland is on the south shore of Lake Erie, which is the shallowest of the Great Lakes. Lake Erie will still be very cold on April 8 so clouds may be pushed away from the 10 mile or so area just south of Lake Erie - which is Cleveland Ohio. This would make for exceptional viewing.
There are many events happening in conjunction with the eclipse. We will add some interesting ones here
