For the first time since 1806, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Ohio, and Cleveland will have one of the best views. Why? Because it’s close to the center line in the path of totality. Cleveland won’t be in the path of totality again until 2444 – it’s time to prepare to safely view the total solar eclipse.
When is the solar eclipse?
On Monday, April 8, starting at 3:15 p.m. and lasting for a total of three minutes and 49 seconds, the moon will pass between the earth and the sun, blocking the face of the sun and causing the sky to darken. This shift could also cause a temperature drop of between 4 and 10 degrees.
A Cleveland State University research astronomer, Jay Reynolds, told 3News this celestial event is not to be missed.
“This is a big deal. Because in the rest of our lifetimes, it is not going to happen here,” Reynolds said. “Not like this, not this long. Here it’s going to last almost four minutes. That is really rare.”
A partial eclipse will begin as early as 1:59 p.m. and last until 4:29 p.m.
Check out this guide to prepare for the best viewing experience.
Ways to view the solar eclipse safely
The solar eclipse may be a thrilling event, but people cannot look directly at the sun during the partial eclipse phase without proper eye protection.
“You should never directly look at the sun, whether it’s an eclipse or just full sun on a sunny day,” said Summa Health Ophthalmologist Dr. Nancy Awender. “The reason being is that it can cause permanent damage to the photoreceptors of the eye, and that can result in permanent central vision defects called scotomas, which are blind spots in or near one’s central vision.”
Eclipse viewers who develop spots in their vision or other changes should see an ophthalmologist, Awender said.
Most sunglasses and welding masks are not dark enough to protect your eyes.
NASA’s website includes instructions on the safest ways to view a total eclipse, including how to use certified safe solar eclipse glasses.
NASA recommends checking for a label that says the glasses comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard. Filters that are up to this standard reduce sunlight to safe levels for eclipse viewing.
Where can I get glasses for the solar eclipse?
NASA Glenn Research Center will hand out free glasses at several events while supplies last.
The Great Lakes Science Center has a few pairs left in their gift shop
for $3 each.
Clevo Books, 530 Euclid Ave. in space #45a in the 5th Street Arcade, and Sixth City Cycles, 4274 Pearl Rd., in Old Brooklyn, are selling glasses while supplies last.
Check out the American Astronomical Society for a list of more suppliers of safe solar viewers.
Be on the lookout for view products and glasses that say they are “NASA approved” but do not meet the ISO standards.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History says other safe ways to view the total eclipse include projection techniques such as pinholes and solar filters for optics.
Solar eclipse events around Cleveland
Total Solar Eclipse events are planned all over the city. And several organizations plan to host watch parties on April 8.
Join the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the University Circle community for a weekend of fun in celebration of the total solar eclipse.
The Great Lakes Science Center and its partners NASA’s Glenn Research Center and the Cleveland Orchestra will host a free three-day celestial celebration at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland.
Visit This is Cleveland and the “Out of this World” events section for more events leading up to and on April 8.
Signal Cleveland will update this article with more information as we get closer to the total solar eclipse.