Cuyahoga Valley

2024 Total Solar Eclipse

 
Illustrated map of Ohio and surrounding area; a dark band runs from the lower left to the upper right, representing the path of the moon’s shadow during the eclipse; oblong purple ovals within this band represent the moon’s shadow at particular times.
An excerpt of a NASA map shows the path and timing of the eclipse over Ohio.

NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

On Monday, April 8, 2024 Cuyahoga Valley National Park will experience a total solar eclipse. A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears to totally obscure the sun. On average, this occurs somewhere on Earth only once every 1.5 years. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next one to pass over Ohio is predicted for 2099.

When Is It?

For several hours, you can watch as the moon slowly covers the sun, leading up to a 4-minute window of “totality” starting locally around 3:15 pm EDT. During totality, the moon will completely cover the sun.

Safe Eclipse Viewing

It is never safe to look directly at the sun without eclipse rated eye protection. The one exception is during totality, which lasts only a few minutes. At all other times, the light of the sun can cause permanent eye damage after only a few seconds of unprotected viewing.

It is safe to view the eclipse with specially designed solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses." "Eclipse glasses" that are over 3 years old, or have scratches or holes in them should not be used. Homemade filters and ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. Visit the eclipse safety page to find answers to common eclipse safety questions.

What to Expect in the Park

On the day of the eclipse, we expect the park to be extremely busy. We encourage people to view the eclipse from open spaces closer to home if possible. If you do decide to view the eclipse from the park, be sure to plan ahead:

  • We expect heavy traffic and long waits on local roadways that day. Please be patient and courteous while driving.

  • Consider carpooling, and try to have plenty of gas or charge for your vehicle if you plan to drive.

  • Bring plenty of food and water.

 
Night sky full of stars over a forest with an image of an eclipse superimposed; white text reads “Cuyahoga Valley Lyceum Series, Exploring Dark Skies, Discover the wonders of space over CVNP as we gear up for the 2024 total solar eclipse”.
The speaker series "Exploring Dark Skies" brings eclipse experts to the park as the date of the eclipse approaches.

Courtesy Conservancy

Upcoming Events

In anticipation of the eclipse in April 2024, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park has launched a speaker series called "Exploring Dark Skies". Join us for these presentations as we gear up for this exciting event.

Wednesday, October 4 - Cuyahoga Valley Photo Society: Solar Eclipse 2024

Dave Watkins of Norton, a photographer with 20 years of experience, will focus on what to expect during the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Of course, no presentation on the sun is complete without explaining how to view or photograph it safely. For photographers, Dave will recommend appropriate camera gear and any special preparations needed. Learn more and register via Eventbrite.

Visit the Conservancy's website for more information, or view the calendar near the bottom of this page. Check back soon for more eclipse-related programs in the months leading up to the event.

What Is a Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse is a lineup of the sun, the moon, and Earth. The moon will be directly between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. Totality (total eclipse) occurs when the moon covers the entirety of the sun except for the corona, or sun’s atmosphere. The longest total eclipse time occurs at the center line, where you experience the moon’s shadow’s full width. Outside the cone or umbra, viewers will experience a partial eclipse.

What If I Miss It?

The next opportunities to experience a total solar eclipse over the United States will be in 2044 (in North Dakota and Montana) and 2045 (as it crosses from California to Florida).

Learn More

For more in-depth information about upcoming eclipses and other celestial events, visit the NASA Eclipses page.

For local events and information, visit the Destination Cleveland website.

 
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    Event Calendar

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    Last updated: September 27, 2023

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    15610 Vaughn Road
    Brecksville, OH 44141

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