A total solar eclipse will pass over Cleveland on Monday, April 8. The moon will begin to block the sun at 1:59 p.m., fully blocking it its light from 3:13-3:17 p.m., before the sun becomes fully visible again at 4:29 p.m. 

What’s so special about this eclipse, and why do Cleveland State students have the day off for it?

Once in a lifetime

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^{A map of the path of totality. (Credit: NASA)}

This month’s solar eclipse will be the first time a total solar eclipse has passed through Ohio since 1806. The next time one passes through Ohio will be in 2099. The next time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the U.S. will be in 2044.

You may remember the partial solar eclipse in 2017, which garnered plenty of attention—but in Ohio, that was just a partial solar eclipse, meaning the moon didn’t fully block the sun.

This year, Cleveland is in the path of totality, meaning that, for about four minutes, it’s going to be as dark as night during mid-afternoon in The Land as the total solar eclipse passes over us.

There are a number of cities between Texas and Maine that fall under the path of totality. In Cleveland, it’ll go dark at 3:13 p.m. and last for three minutes and 49 seconds. The state with the longest period of darkness will be New Mexico, where it’ll go dark for four minutes and 28 seconds.

What you should know 

So, what does this mean for Cleveland?

Experts have estimated that the eclipse will be the busiest day for travel in the country due to its rarity and path of totality that passes through major cities. In fact, on March 13, Cleveland Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2024-04D, emphasizing the impacts the eclipse will have on traffic, parking and local businesses.

In the order, Gov. DeWine encouraged state departments and agencies, including the Department of Transportation, Law Enforcement, and the Department of Tourism to take extra precautions and be prepared to use their facilities due to the “influx of out-of-state tourists coming to witness this event and enjoy other attractions the State has to offer.”

As we get closer to 3:13 p.m. on April 8, expect traffic to get worse and worse and leave extra early if you need to find a parking spot downtown.

There are a number of road closures set for Monday for traffic control and events, as well as multiple no parking/no stopping zones, so do your research if you’re planning on driving.

Another safety concern you should be aware of is the potential for eye damage the eclipse poses. It may seem tempting to look directly at the sun as the moon passes over it, but if you do it without ISO-certified eclipse glasses, you’re risking blurry vision and permanent retina damage.

Eclipse glasses can be picked up at the bookstore in the student center. You’ll need a student I. D. to get yours, and get them soon! Most vendors in the Cleveland area are already sold-out, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to grab a pair at any event you go to due to high demand.

Celebrate the eclipse at CSU

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^{CSU kicked off the eclipse weekend with a concert in the student center. (Credit: Kasey Sheridan)}

CSU is hosting numerous eclipse-related events across campus, and the celebration has already begun!

Things kicked off on Friday with a total eclipse-themed concert in the Student Center.

The School of Music Pop/Rock Bands delighted students with eclipse-themed covers of songs from bands including Pink Floyd, The Killers, Bruno Mars, and more. 

Eclipse viewing glasses were also handed out during the show.

CSU hosted an eclipse seminar series leading up to the event, with a final seminar taking place on Tuesday, April 9, featuring Joseph Glaser of West Virginia University. 

For a closer look at CSU’s eclipse-related events, visit the university’s website. 

There will be an on-campus observation opportunity in the Science Research building hosted by Sigma Pi Sigma during the eclipse. Students eager to get a closer look at it can attend Viking Public House’s Rooftop Viewing Party from 1:00 to 4:00 p. m. Tickets are $35 and the party will be catered.

Classes are canceled on Monday, but campus and campus facilities, including the dining hall, will remain open.

Other events in Cleveland

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^{The Great Lakes Science Center is hosting a free Total Eclipse Fest to celebrate the eclipse. (Credit: Great Lakes Science Center)}

Students looking to celebrate the eclipse off-campus will have numerous options in downtown Cleveland.

The Great Lakes Science Center is hosting a Total Eclipse Festival, which began on Friday, April 7. The free event includes immersive experiences, interactive exhibits, and a host of science activities with community partners, including CSU.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is hosting SolarFest on Monday, which will feature live eclipse-themed music and a viewing party. 

You can find a full list of eclipse events in Cleveland here.

Don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime, out-of-this-world experience!