2024 Eclipse Path Ohio: The Complete Guide to Viewing

Are you living in Ohio and looking for plans for April 8th, 2024? We’ve got you covered because there will be a total solar eclipse in 2024 – the first since 2017! During this time, if you find yourself in the Midwest, you might be in luck for a spectacular viewing experience of the eclipse as the path of totality passes through cities in Ohio like Cleveland, in Indiana such as Indianapolis, and some parts of Illinois.  

We’ll provide an overview of the eclipse’s path through Ohio, including key viewing locations, timing, and essential viewing tips. Keep reading for the complete guide to how you can view the solar eclipse in 2024 in Ohio and other states of the Midwest!  

What is a total solar eclipse?  

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth completely blocking out the face of the sun. During this time, the sun will darken the sky. Depending on where you on in the U.S. at this time, the 2024 solar eclipse can last anywhere from 10 seconds to 7.5 minutes.  

Where can you view the eclipse in Ohio? 

The most common city where you can view the 2024 eclipse in Ohio will be Cleveland. The most optimal viewing of the Cleveland solar eclipse in 2024 will be just off the shore of Lake Erie. The eclipse begins at approximately 3:08 pm EST until 3:19 pm EST over the state of Ohio. 

While Cleveland is ideal for the best view of the eclipse in 2024, there are parts of Ohio that will have steady viewing areas too. These cities include Arkon Ohio, Sandusky Ohio, and Lakewood Ohio, to name a few. 

Here’s the whole path of totality for the solar eclipse in Ohio in 2024:

When to watch from where

For a more comprehensive breakdown of when and how long the 2024 eclipse will last over Ohio, check out NationalEclipse.com’s chart below:

Where can the eclipse be viewed across the U.S.?

If you find yourself out of town during the 2024 solar eclipse, don’t worry, there might be an opportunity for you to see it if you’re still in the U.S.  

You can see the total solar eclipse in the following major states: 

1. Texas: From Eagles Pass, TX at 1:27 pm CDT to Texarkana, TX at 1:47 pm CDT. 
2. Oklahoma: From Hugo, OK at 1:44 pm CDT to Poteau, OK at 1:48 pm CDT. 
3. Arkansas: From DeQueen, AK at 1:46 pm CDT to Paragould, AK at 1:46 pm CDT. 
4. Missouri: From West Plains, MO at 1:54 pm CDT to Park Hills, MO at 1:58 pm CDT. 
5. Illinois: From Tamms, IL at 1:58 pm CDT to Paris, IL at 2:05 pm CDT. 
6. Kentucky: From Paducah, KY at 2:00 pm CDT to Henderson, KY at 2:02 pm CDT. 
7. Indiana: From New Harmony, IN at 2:01 pm CDT to Decatur, IN at 3:09 pm EDT. 
8. Pennsylvania: From North Springfield, PA at 3:15 pm EDT to Warren, PA at 3:18 pm EDT. 
9. New York: From Chautauqua, NY at 3:17 pm EDT to Essex, NY at 3:26 pm EDT. 
10. Vermont: From Burlington, VT at 3:26 pm EDT to St. Johnsbury, VT at 3:28 pm EDT. 
11. New Hampshire: From Pittsburg, NH at 3:28 pm EDT to St. Lancaster, NH at 3:29 pm EDT. 
12. Maine: From Jackman, MA at 3:29 pm EDT to Lee, MA at 3:33 pm EDT. 

2024 solar eclipse path of totality across the U.S.

Whether you’re looking to view the 2024 eclipse path in Illinois or across the country in Texas, this eclipse can be seen across the U.S. Here’s a closer look at the full path of the 2024 solar eclipse:

Solar eclipse safety tips

It’s not safe to look directly at the sun during a total solar eclipse. Watching the 2024 solar eclipse through a camera, binoculars, or telescope without a special filter can seriously hurt your eyes. Here’s a couple of safety measures you should prepare for before viewing the 2024 eclipse: 

1. Use proper eye protection: Be sure to use certified solar viewing glasses or solar filters. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient protection. 
2. Supervise children: Ensure that children are supervised and use proper eye protection. 
3. Beware of homemade filters: Do not use homemade filters or improvised viewing devices, as they may not provide adequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays. 
4. Keep pets indoors: To protect their eyes, keep pets indoors or ensure they do not look directly at the sun during the eclipse. Eclipses can cause “eclipse blindness” in pets. 
5. Protect your skin: Use sunscreen to protect your skin if you will be outdoors for an extended period during the eclipse.

When is the next solar eclipse?

According to NASA, the next solar eclipse will occur in the United States on August 23rd, 2044. However, the next solar eclipse in Illinois (in 2024) will cover thirty-one Illinois state parks and sites. This might be a great opportunity to start planning your camping outing to Illinois to view this astronomical marvel!

Fun facts about solar eclipses

1. A total solar eclipse is the only type of eclipse where eclipse glasses can be removed momentarily. Viewers can remove their glasses when the moon is completely over the sun. 
2. When solar eclipses reach totality, nocturnal animals sometimes wake up thinking it’s nighttime!  
3. On August 2, 1133, a solar eclipse occurred and King Henry I died shortly afterwards. This prompted the spread of the superstition that eclipses are bad omens for rulers. 
4. The speed of the moon as it moves across the Sun is approximately 2,250 km (1,398 miles) per hour. 
5. The solar eclipse of August 21st, 2017 was the first solar eclipse to cross the entire continental United States in over a century.  

As the anticipation for the 2024 solar eclipse builds, it’s crucial to remember safety precautions to ensure a memorable viewing experience. With the eclipse’s path weaving through cities like Cleveland, Ohio, and spanning across the Midwest, including parts of Illinois, skywatchers have a unique opportunity to witness this celestial spectacle.