COLUMBUS, Ohio — Getting your hands on eclipse glasses in advance is crucial ahead of the highly anticipated total solar eclipse on April 8th.The path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse is expected to be approximately 124 miles wide and will traverse 13 states, from Texas to New Hampshire. In Ohio, the point of greatest duration for the eclipse will be in Avon Lake, in Lorain County, which is situated 23 miles west of Cleveland.
RELATED: Several central Ohio schools planning to give students a day off for solar eclipseIf you’re planning to observe the eclipse, it’s recommended by NASA to use eye protection. The only time it’s not needed is during the brief total phase when the moon fully blocks the sun’s bright face. NASA advises against viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics, as it could result in severe eye injury. It’s important to note that eclipse glasses are not the same as sunglasses. Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker.
Credit: Columbus Metropolitan Library
Here’s where you can acquire eclipse glasses in central Ohio:*Not all of the listed glasses are free. Visit each website to determine possible costs.The Columbus Metropolitan Library is distributing free glasses at all 23 of its libraries beginning March 18.COSI kits (minimum purchase is a pack of 30 glasses); COSI will also be distributing thousands of free glasses at their eclipse viewing event.The American Astronomical Society has compiled a list of reputable vendors of solar filters and glasses that you can access here.Ohio History Connection is hosting a viewing party at the John & Annie Glenn Museum in New Concord. Free eclipse glasses will be provided to attendees.Guests staying at a Dublin hotel during the solar eclipse will receive a free pair of glasses and access to a VIP viewing event. Learn more about the offer here.Many local libraries are giving away free solar eclipse glasses, including Worthington, Westerville, and Columbus. You can find your local library by zip code here.
Additional places will be listed above as we learn of more central Ohio businesses distributing solar eclipse glasses.NASA’s guidelines for viewing the eclipse include:Observe the sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.You can look at the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon entirely obscures the Sun’s bright face – during the brief and remarkable period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.RELATED: These central Ohio schools will be closed for the upcoming total solar eclipseWhat is a solar eclipse?A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. Sometimes the moon only blocks part of the sun’s light, resulting in a partial solar eclipse. When the moon blocks all of the sun, it’s called a total solar eclipse.When the moon blocks the sun’s light, it casts a shadow on part of the Earth. How often do solar eclipses happen?According to NASA, solar eclipses occur at least twice a year somewhere on Earth. The maximum number of solar eclipses (partial, annular or total) is five per year.Will you be able to see the eclipse in Columbus?Residents of Columbus and anyone southeast of the city will need to take a short drive to Dublin to see the partial eclipse. If you’re interested in viewing the total eclipse, you could drive 90 miles northwest to Wapakoneta in Auglaize County.To learn how you can prepare for the eclipse, click here.Local News: Recent Coverage ⬇️
