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2024 Solar Eclipse in Columbus


Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Columbus, Ohio, as the sun, moon, and earth all align on April 8, 2024, to create the 2024 total solar eclipse.

For the first time since 1806, Ohio will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse. The eclipse's path, spanning 300 miles, promises a celestial ballet that will captivate onlookers for approximately two and a half hours! However, locals and visitors to Columbus alike can experience near totality (99.6%) starting around 3:07 p.m. ET, with peak viewing occurring around 3:12 p.m. ET.
 

 



Eclipse - 2024 - Path - Map

 

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Quick Facts

The Time Of Totality
 

In Columbus, a partial solar eclipse will begin at approximately 1:55 p.m. ET, as the edge of the moon touches the edge of the sun. The total solar eclipse will reach peak totality at approximately 3:12 p.m. ET, with the sun at its most hidden. Finally, the waning partial solar eclipse will end at approximately 4:27 p.m. ET, as the edge of the moon leaves the edge of the sun. The total duration of the eclipse event will last 2 hours and 31 minutes.


Is It Worth The Trip? Yes.
 

The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next one in Ohio will occur in 2099. While a total solar eclipse happens somewhere on Earth once every 1.5 years, only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the United States' entire existence. Be sure to check out local viewing events at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, COSI, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and others listed below.


What To Expect
 

Aside from the spectacle in the sky, a lot of neat things that will be happening all around us. At 2:25 p.m. ET, a noticeable temperature change will take place due to decreased solar energy. At 2:55 p.m. ET, colors will start to turn grayish and the behavior of animals and plants may be affected by low light levels. Then, just minutes before totality, a dark shadow will appear on the horizon, and seconds before totality, the solar corona appears.


Where Can I Get Eclipse Sunglasses?
 

Experience Columbus' eclipse viewing glasses are sold out. However, community centers in the area are offering free viewing glasses provided by COSI, while supplies last. We recommend calling your local center to confirm availability before visiting. Glasses are also available for purchase in COSI's gift shop. The glasses comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard for safety.


   

Featured Viewing Events

Eclipse viewing party at the #1 science museum in the country

COSI Viewing Party

Celebrate the eclipse at COSI, named the #1 science museum in the country for four consecutive years by USA Today 10Best. Located downtown in the path of near totality, the museum is hosting a day of fun, hands-on activities. They are also giving away thousands of free eclipse glasses.

Step into the path of totality at the zoo

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium "Solar-bration"

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is in the path of totality where experts anticipate the totality will last around 1 minute and 45 seconds. Join them to take in the historic sight amidst the wonders of wildlife. Visitors will get viewing glasses and enjoy character greetings and hands-on activities.

Say cheers with eclipse-themed beer

Land-Grant Brewing Co. + COSI Collaboration

Land-Grant Brewing Co. will be debuting its own beer, Totality, which is a Black IPA and an exclusive COSI collaboration. The beer will be on tap during their viewing party starting at 11 a.m. The party includes free eclipse glasses, interactive experiments with COSI, cosmic-themed music and food.

Expansive rooftop viewing at the NVMM

Solar Eclipse Day on the Rooftop

Witness the eclipse from the rooftop of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. In partnership with the NASA Solar System Ambassadors program, NVMM will have hands-on learning activities throughout the Museum, and a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be provided.