On April 8, 2024, for the first time since 1806 (over 200 years ago!), Ohioans within a 124-mile radius will get to experience a total solar eclipse. The Greater Cincinnati region, particularly Hamilton County, falls within the range that will experience the eclipse in partial totality! The Eclipse will last for just about two-and-half minutes (around 3:09-3:17 p.m., depending on where you are in the path of totality). Official Cincinnati Observatory “Eclipse Chasers” will be posted up all over town on April 8th! Get more info, here! Watch Stattman learn about everything eclipse at the Cincinnati Observatory below!
Listen to Jesse & Anna talk to local astronomer Dean Regas about the best viewing spot:
Stages of the Eclipse:
STARTING
Once the eclipse starts, the sun will be gradually covered by the moon. It will take about an hour or so.
15 MINUTES BEFORE
When most of the sun is covered by the moon, the ambient light will change and become dimmer. This light could look eerie or strange. The skies will still get darker even if it is cloudy outside and you cannot see the sun.
10 MINUTES BEFORE
There may be changes in bird and insect sounds. Once the sunlight fades, some wildlife may think it is nighttime.
1 to 2 MINUTES BEFORE
There may be shadow bands on white or light-colored surfaces. You can try and see them on things like white cars or white walls.
SECONDS BEFORE
Make sure your solar eclipse glasses are on!
The moon will almost completely cover the sun. A few bright spots of sunlight will shine through the moon, also known as Baily’s Beads. It’s possible a bright gleam of light on one side of the moon could create what looks like a diamond ring.
TOTALITY
After the last glimmer of sunlight disappears and there’s nothing to see through your glasses, we will be in totality. At this time, it is safe to remove your eye protection and look at the eclipse. The sun’s outer atmosphere will shine around the moon.
SEEING OTHER PLANETS
During this, you might be able to see bright planets or stars in the sky. If there is a comet nearby, you might be able to see that as well.
AFTER THE ECLIPSE
After the eclipse, the sky will get brighter again and the temperatures will increase. It will take about an hour, but the moon will completely uncover the sun again.
When and where will eclipse traffic be the worst in Ohio?
Southwest and central Ohio may experience some gridlock that morning and a tremendous increase in traffic in the hours before the eclipse. But the real snarls are expected once it’s over. The heaviest traffic appears in the forecast late afternoon and doesn’t appear to ease up for hours.
Specific areas that could be busier than normal include Interstate 71 and Interstate 270 in the Columbus area, Interstate 75 from Dayton to Cincinnati and Interstate 77 between Akron and Canton. To help emergency responders prepare—and give visitors a preview of what could happen—the Ohio Department of Transportation created an interactive online map forecasting traffic that day.
Solar Eclipse Watch Parties around the Tri-State:
Niederman Family Farm’s “solar-bration.” The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes a pair of commemorative eclipse glasses, a raffle ticket and unlimited access to activities!
Downtown Middletown: Middletown will be in complete darkness from 3:09 p.m. to 3:11 p.m. and you can visit their downtown area for a variety of activities leading up to the big show.
Brookville Lake: Right in the path of totality and offers a prime location to set up a chair, bring out the Moon Pies and watch the eclipse.
Eclipse & Sips in Bellevue: It’s not in the path of totality, but Bellevue offers a lovely view of the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati as a setting for eclipse viewing. From 1-3 p.m., you can hang out on the upper deck of MRBL’s parking lot to watch the moon move in front of the sun.
From 9 a.m. to dusk, Franklin County Park will host a pickleball-playing and eclipse-watching party. All pickleball abilities are welcome to join in, and there will also be music and food!
Liberty Center’s Eclipse Party: Happening from 2-4 p.m., you can experience the solar eclipse at the Liberty Center! The shopping center is going all out, with free eclipse glasses while supplies last, a mad scientist show, “Lunar Libations,” solar-themed cupcakes, a sun-themed bath bomb pressing station and more!
Starting a 1:30 p.m., you can head to Village Green Park in Fairfield to experience eclipse totality. The park will have some kids’ activities to keep the little ones entertained while you wait for the Eclipse!
Eclipse Watch Parties in Oxford: Several parks in Oxford will be throwing parties to celebrate the eclipse. From 1-5 p.m., you can visit Uptown Park, Oxford Community Park or Sculpture Park. There will also be activities, food trucks and more!
Solar Eclipse Viewing Times
| City | Partial Begins | Maximum | Time of Totality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown | 1:52pm | 3:10pm | 1 min. 45 sec. |
| Oxford | 1:52pm | 3:09pm | 2 min. 52 sec. |
| Hamilton | 1:52pm | 3:09pm | 1 min. 42 sec. |
| Fairfield | 1:52pm | 3:09pm | 44 sec. |
| Harrison | 1:51pm | 3:09pm | 1 min. 31 sec. |
| Batesville | 1:51pm | 3:08pm | 3 min. 3 sec. |
| Moores Hill | 1:51pm | 3:08pm | 1 min. 40 sec. |
Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event!