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Solar eclipse totality begins

On April 8, 2024, parts of 13 states, including Ohio, will be under the path of totality of a solar eclipse. The next total eclipse visible from Cleveland will be Sept. 12, 2444.

When will totality begin in Cleveland?
The eclipse will begin at 1:59 p.m., reaching totality at 3:13 p.m. For 3 minutes 50 seconds, Cleveland will experience twilight in the daytime, with maximum totality at 3:15 p.m.

The total length of the eclipse is 2 hours 30 minutes, ending at 4:29 p.m.

Ernie Wright
/
NASA

Stages of the show

The Baily's Beads effect is seen as the moon makes its final move over the sun during the total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon.
1 of 3  — NHQ201708210101~large Baily's Beads 3x2.jpg
Right before totality, observers will view a phenomenon known as Baily's Beads, which are glimmers of sunlight shining through the craters on the outer edge of the moon. In this Aug. 21, 2017, photo above Madras, Oregon, the Baily's Beads effect is seen as the moon makes its final move over the sun during a total solar eclipse.
Aubrey Gemignani / NASA
The diamond-ring effect occurred at the beginning and end of totality during a total solar eclipse. As the last bits of sunlight pass through the valleys on the moon's limb, and the faint corona around the sun is just becoming visible, it looks like a ring with glittering diamonds on it.
2 of 3  — 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
These "beads" then become what's known as a "diamond ring," or one glowing, bright spot of light on the edge of the moon, with a light ring surrounding nearly all of the moon just a few seconds beforehand.
Carla Thomas / NASA
Then totality starts, and it will be safe temporarily to take off your eclipse glasses. "We'll be able to look and marvel at the corona, which is the atmosphere of the sun, just shining across the entire sky. If you look along the horizon, you see what looks like a 360-degree sunset as you're heading into nighttime, but it's at 3 p.m. in the afternoon."
3 of 3  — AFRC2017-0233-006~large totality.jpg
Then totality starts, and it will be safe temporarily to take off your eclipse glasses. "We'll be able to look and marvel at the corona, which is the atmosphere of the sun, just shining across the entire sky. If you look along the horizon, you see what looks like a 360-degree sunset as you're heading into nighttime, but it's at 3 p.m. in the afternoon." - Chris Hartenstine, NASA Glenn Research Center
Carla Thomas / NASA

How to safely look at the eclipse

Be sure to wear protective eyewear when viewing the eclipse. Looking at the sun without the proper eye protection can lead to permanent vision damage.

Check with your local public library for free eclipse glasses.

School's out!

Because the eclipse reaches totality at about the time many schools dismiss students for the day, the vast majority of districts in Northeast Ohio are closed or letting students out early on April 8.

Areas in white have not yet responded to Ideastream's inquiries about their school day plans. Be sure to check with your local school district for more details.

Listen live

From 2 - 4 p.m., NPR will have live special coverage capturing the wonder of eclipse viewers across the country, as well as historic and scientific takes on this rare astronomical phenomenon.

Listen on 89.7 WKSU or at ideastream.org or on the Ideasream Public Media app.

The totality of the solar eclipse as it appears over Cleveland.
Ryan Loew
/
Ideastream Public Media
Total solar eclipse in Ohio: Live updates
Today's eclipse will begin at 1:59 p.m., reaching totality at 3:13 p.m. For 3 minutes 50 seconds, Cleveland will experience twilight in the daytime, with maximum totality at 3:15 p.m. The total length of the eclipse is 2 hours 30 minutes, ending at 4:29 p.m. Follow our live blog throughout the day.
Solar eclipse news