Solar Eclipse 2024
A Moment in the Sun's Shadow
Casting a dark shadow, 115 miles wide, the Moon will cover the Sun revealing our star’s outer atmosphere on April 8, 2024.
Toledo is in the path of totality. For nearly two minutes, day will turn to night, bright stars and planets will shine, temperatures drop and crowds will experience one of the most awesome sights in nature.
Mark this awe-inspiring experience with Toledo's Science Center.
Path Through Ohio
April 8, 2024 | 3:12PM
People within a 124-mile-wide band in Ohio will bear witness to the total solar eclipse. Many major cities are in the path of totality, including Toledo. Make your plans now as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to make their way to the region to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event.
The total solar eclipse will beginning at 3:08pm, with the final exit of the Moon's shadow from the state at 3:19pm.
Totality in Toledo begins at 3:12pm and will last for nearly two minutes and a partial eclipse will be visible before and after. Plus, the moon will be relatively closer to the Earth during the 2024 eclipse allowing it to be larger and last longer in duration.
The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099.
The Weather
April weather in Ohio can sometimes pose a challenge. Ideally, an eclipse viewer will want crystal clear skies for the biggest wow factor. But, even if it's cloudy, you will still experience some of the other phenomena like darkness, drops in temperatures and changes in wildlife behavior.
Your Source for Eclipse Excitement and Education!
Earth and Space Festival
Grades PreK - 10
Students will have an out-of-this-world experiences as they explore the solar system and beyond. They will discover how stars are born, learn facts about the objects in our solar system, model the moon's phases and explore how objects orbit each other. Get ready to have a BLAST!
The Science of the Solar Eclipse
This workshop is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the ways the sun, Earth, and moon interact. From the phases of the moon to total solar eclipses, your amateur astronomers will discover how these interactions can be seen both daily and through once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It will build excitement and provide a learning opportunity for this fascinating event.
STARLAB® Eclipse Program
Our giant inflatable planetarium brings the night sky to your school or community center. Students will learn the celestial science behind the solar eclipse, and learn about the different aspects of the eclipse. Following the program, your students will be prepared to educate their family and friends about one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena in the universe.
Become an Eclipse Expert
Don't miss this opportunity to become an expert in the science of the total solar eclipse and share your knowledge with others! Check out these awesome educational videos about the Solar Eclipse on our social media!
Why is this event so rare? When’s the next eclipse? How often do they occur?
How one solar eclipse changed our thinking of the universe FOREVER…
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers!
Check out these FAQs
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon's path crossed in front of the sun blocking all or some of its light to a portion of the Earth's surface. Those who live in the narrow path of totality get to experience the interesting and unusual interstellar phenomenon.
What happens during totality?
It's awesome. The sky will darken, literally turning day to night. People in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by its bright face. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (which are not the same as regular sunglasses) for the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun.
How long will it last?
The entire eclipse event takes many hours, but the moment of totality is usually short, under five minutes. The further you are from the center line, the shorter the totality time. Toledo will experience totality for almost two minutes.
Where should I go to see it?
Imagination Station, of course! But any open area is a great option, so is your own home as long as you live in the path of totality.
Is it safe to look at an eclipse?
It is safe to view an eclipse with the naked eye ONLY DURING TOATLITY, when the sun's disk is completely covered by the moon. Otherwise, skywatchers need proper eye protection (eclipse glasses, not sunglasses). NEVER LOOK AT A PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE WITHOUT PROPER EYEWEAR.
Still Curious? Explore these resources.
