Solar Eclipse FAQ:

• How rare are total solar eclipses?
  • A total solar eclipse occurs on a given spot on the planet only once about every 375 years.  Portions of Ohio will not be in the path of totality for a total solar eclipse again until 2099.
• What does the path of totality mean?
  • The path of totality is the area where the moon will completely cover the sun. This plunges the sky from daylight to twilight temporarily. Although the sky will darken in areas that will see 99% solar eclipse or less, the experience in totality (Lorain County) will be much different. According to the Planetary Society, only 43 million people (0.5% of the world’s population) live in the path of totality for the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse.
• How much will daylight change?
  • In the path of totality, the moon covers 100% of the sun. Even if it is a cloudy, rainy day, the landscape will darken dramatically during totality. The sky will be 10,000 times darker in the areas of totality (Lorain County) than areas where just 1% of the sun is visible (99% partial eclipse), and some bright planets and stars may become visible.
    
• How much will the weather/temperature change?
  • Temperatures may drop as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit during the eclipse, and without the sunlight it will feel even cooler. Wave heights in Lake Erie may also change a bit. If conditions are right and there’s a lake breeze off Lake Erie, that might lighten up too thanks to the slight temperature drop. Should a cold rain fall just before the eclipse, there’s also a chance that the drop could turn the precipitation into snow or an icy mix.
    
• When will the eclipse occur and for how long?
  • According to astronomical experts, a partial eclipse in Ohio will begin at 1:59 p.m. and end at 4:29 p.m., but the totality begins at 3:13 p.m. and ends at 3:17 p.m. Lorain County is the best place in Ohio to view the eclipse as it lies on the center line in the path of totality and will spend nearly four minutes of darkness for a few minutes in the midafternoon.
    
• Do I need special glasses to view the eclipse?
  • YES, according to NASA, you should wear a set of eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard when viewing any solar eclipse. This standard is thousands of times darker than standard sunglasses. Never look directly at the sun. You can seriously hurt your eyes, and even go blind.