Lucky us! Lake Township lies within the path of totality for this year's solar eclipse.
- Date: Monday, April 8th, 2024
- Duration: Approximately 2pm-4:30pm, with totality around 3:15pm
What is a solar eclipse?
The Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun blocking sunlight. Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the entire existence of the United States. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099.
What to expect?
Fingers crossed for clear skies! With viewing glasses you can begin watching the moon cross the sun approximately 60-90 minutes before totality. Find a spot with a good southwest view. Temperatures decrease slightly, sharper shadows, and a noticable change in darkness occurs about 30 minutes before. The time around totality moves quickly. Watch for these key moments: The corona, the sun's outer atmosphere only visible during an eclipse, can start to be seen about 20 seconds before totality, quickly followed by the moon's umbral shadow coming from the west. Look for the "diamond ring" (like the image at the top of this page) about 10 seconds before totality. Immediately before totality, a phenomenon called Baily's Beads can be viewed. These are little dots of light peeking through the valleys on the moon's surface. Once the moon moves into full coverage, eclipse glasses can be removed to view the corona. It is as bright as a full moon. Stars and planets might be able to be seen, Venus to the bottom right of the eclipse and Jupiter to the upper left. Totality will last about 2 minutes. Then above moments happen in reverse!
Important: Apart from the few minutes of totality, eclipse glasses must be used for looking at the sun.
Visitors
An influx of visitors is expected along the path of totality. Because Ohio is within a one-day drive from 70% of the country’s population, the state will be a target destination for people from around the country, and from around the world, who want to view a total solar eclipse. It's a great opportunity to invite out of town family and friends to enjoy a long weekend in Hartville. We're excited to welcome those traveling from near and far to our town not only to view the eclipse but to enjoy our parks, businesses, and hospitality. Give yourself extra time to get from place to place, do errands and make appointments for a different time, and make a plan to enjoy this once in a lifetime event! Stay up to date on Eclipse 2024 related events, activities, and promotions at https://www.discoverhartville.com/eclipse/.