On April 8, the moon’s orbit will place it directly between Earth and the sun, casting nightlike darkness on a path starting in the South Pacific at about 11:42 a.m. Eastern time and ending about five hours later somewhere over the North Atlantic. The 100-mile-wide path of totality (where the event will be seen as a total eclipse) goes directly across Ohio — darkening Dayton, blacking out Bowling Green, enshadowing Chardon. In the center of that path, the total eclipse will last for nearly four minutes.
The first bits of the partial eclipse will be seen — weather permitting, it should be stressed — in the town of Harrison, in Hamilton County, seconds before 1:52 p.m., and be last visible in Conneaut at the extreme northeastern tip just past 4:31 p.m. Following are a few ideas for some spectacular viewing around the state. Don’t miss out; the next total eclipse visible in Ohio won’t happen until 2099.
Cosmic crescendo
As anticipation for the upcoming solar eclipse builds, the Toledo Symphony
Orchestra and the publishing and distribution company ADJ•ective New Music will unveil a celestial symphony that pushes the boundaries of classical music. The collaboration aims to redefine Gustav Holst’s iconic suite The Planets. The symphony will perform the works March 22 and 23 at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Departing from Holst’s mythological inspiration, however, the new work delves into the scientific facets of the planets. “Holst was thinking about the Roman gods, but we are delving into the science behind the planets,” says ADJ•ective co-owner Jamie Leigh Sampson. “We wanted to create something that went beyond the traditional boundaries of classical music.”
The concert, which also includes Holst’s original works, will be a multimedia experience. Recent images of space, carefully choreographed to the music, will be projected by art and science group KV 265.
Two years ago, Merwin Siu, artistic administrator for the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts, brought up the idea of working with ADJ•ective for this performance. The Planets brings together nine composers from the collective, each contributing a movement inspired by a specific planet.
The composers engaged in detailed discussions with the University of Toledo’s Department of Astronomy to infuse authenticity into their compositions by understanding the scientific nuances of each planet. “Planets actually vibrate at frequencies, though too low to be heard by the human ear,” Sampson says. “We discussed orbital frequencies, the speed of planetary travel, and even the potential to hear these vibrations.” For example, Sampson is taking on Jupiter, the final movement. Her brass-heavy five-minute piece partially focuses on the mathematical relationships between two of the planet’s moons, which Sampson replicates with harmonies moving at different rates that come together at the end.
Click here for more details and ticket information.
Total Eclipse Fest 2024, April 6–8
Cleveland’s Great Lakes Science Center and NASA Glenn
Research host a three-day celebration at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland. The outdoor, family-friendly event will feature hands-on science activities, food vendors, entertainment, and free eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies last). The Cleveland Orchestra will perform a family concert at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, with an out-of-this-world program of galactic proportions featuring Richard Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra (well-known to fans of 2001: A Space Odyssey), music from Star Wars, and more, paired with stunning images from the Hubble Telescope, the International Space Station, and NASA’s photo archives. NASA experts will be on-site throughout the fest to engage with the public and share ways NASA studies the sun and uses that information to understand its impact on Earth and our solar system, and NASA-TV will be broadcasting live from the event.
Click here for more details.
Cleveland Monsters vs. Rochester Americans, March 30
The Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League look to eclipse the Rochester Americans in a 3:15 p.m. faceoff at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. All fans in attendance will receive a Total Solar Eclipse Survival Pack, which includes a pair of Monsters eclipse glasses and a commemorative T-shirt.
Ohio State Parks viewing/camping, April 6–8
At least 17 of Ohio’s state parks are located
within or very close to the path of totality, and most feature expansive vistas that will provide amazing views of the eclipse. Anticipating large crowds, most parks have organized plenty of eclipse-related programming. As of mid-February, limited electric and non-electric campsites were still available within the totality zone. Reservations are required for camping, and no reservations will be taken that include April 8 arrivals or departures.
Click here for details.
Elope at the Eclipse, April 8
The signature event of Seneca County’s Solar
Eclipse of the Heart event occurs at the Kalnow Amphitheater, 155 E. Market St. in Tiffin, at the climax of the eclipse, when couples can exchange or renew their vows at the peak of totality. Event organizers offer a free, all-inclusive experience including a dedicated officiant, complimentary first toast, live music, photographer, and a specially crafted wedding cake. The only caveat is that couples must have a valid marriage license in order to get married at the event — licenses will not be available that day, so some advance research and planning is crucial. Other Seneca County events include a bingo game that takes visitors to various Seneca County locations throughout the weekend for a chance to win gift cards and the Out of the Dark Glow 5K at dusk on Saturday.
Click here for details.
Total Solar Eclipse at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, April 8
Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the wide-
open views of the sky from the museum grounds, 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton. Dayton will experience 2 minutes and 43 seconds of totality, beginning at 3:09 p.m.
Museum is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 937-255-3286.
Solar Eclipse Fly-in, April 8
The Union County Airport, 760 Clymer Road in Marysville, will host a Fly-In from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pilots are encouraged to fly in early and enjoy a BBQ lunch featuring Triple P Barbeque Co. before the eclipse. Once the airport parking ramp is full, the airport will be closed until after the eclipse. Admission is free.
Click here for details.
The Solar Eclipse at the Top of Ohio, April 8
Experience the total eclipse from the highest point in the state. Campbell Hill,
within the city of Bellefontaine, is home to the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, on the path of totality. Students and staff will host a viewing event, with family activities and games throughout the day (viewing glasses will not be provided, so guests should bring their own). Tickets are available here. Bellefontaine and Logan County also have numerous other events planned for the weekend.
Click here for more details.
