Editor's note:
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For the first time since 1806, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Ohio, and Akron is within the path of totality, meaning the city is one of the best places to see it. This phenomenon won’t happen in the state again until 2099.
When is the solar eclipse?
On Monday, April 8, starting at 3:14 p.m. and lasting for a total of two minutes and 49 seconds, the moon will pass between the earth and the sun, blocking the face of the sun and causing the sky to darken. This shift could also cause a temperature drop of between 4 and 10 degrees.
Although the total eclipse will only last a few minutes, a partial eclipse will begin as early as 1:59 p.m. and last until 4:29 p.m.
Check out the guide below to be prepared for the best viewing experience.
How to view the eclipse safely
As exciting as the solar eclipse may be, make sure not to look at the sun during the partial eclipse phase without proper eye protection.
“You should never directly look at the sun, whether it’s an eclipse or just full sun on a sunny day,” said Summa Health Ophthalmologist Dr. Nancy Awender. “The reason being is that it can cause permanent damage to the photoreceptors of the eye, and that can result in permanent central vision defects called scotomas, which are blind spots in or near one’s central vision.”
Eclipse viewers who develop spots in their vision or other changes should see an ophthalmologist, Awender said.
Safe solar viewers, often found in the form of “eclipse glasses” or handheld rectangular lenses, allow viewers to look at the sun during the eclipse.
When securing eclipse glasses, NASA recommends ensuring the glasses are up to international standards. Look for a label that says the glasses comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard. Filters that are up to this standard reduce sunlight to safe levels for eclipse viewing.
Awender said to keep an eye out for counterfeit products that say “NASA approved” but do not fit the ISO standard.
Homemade filters and regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing because they do not block out enough sunlight, which may cause damage to the viewer’s eyes.
Additionally, it is unsafe to look at the sun through an unfiltered camera, a telescope, binoculars or any other optical device.
It is also unsafe to look through an optical device while wearing eclipse glasses, as the concentrated solar rays can damage the filter and the viewer’s eyes.
“The reason is that there are mirrors inside of these lenses, which will amplify the solar rays and can cause retinal damage,” Awender said.
If you can’t get your hands on a pair of eclipse glasses, you can try an indirect viewing method, such as building a pinhole projector. With your back to the sun, project sunlight onto the ground through an object with holes, like a colander or crossed fingers. When the sun is partially eclipsed, the shadows will reveal images of the crescent sun on the ground.
Awender cautions relying on the pinhole method with children, especially those who don’t have good dexterity, because they might not be able to create a perfect pinhole with their fingers.
During the window of time where the sun’s rays are completely blocked by the moon, it is safe to look at the sun without a solar filter, but as soon as the window closes, continue to follow safety precautions.
Where to find eclipse glasses in Akron
The main branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library will have free eclipse glasses beginning March 30. While supplies last, those interested may pick them up at the Business, Government & Science desk on the first floor (one pair per person present, while supplies last). Additional branches may have glasses available as well.
Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre has eclipse glasses available for $3.
Retail stores such as Meijer, Lowes and Walmart may also sell glasses.
The American Astronomical Society has a list of more suppliers of safe solar viewers.
Anticipated visitors could make plans tricky
With Ohio expecting between 150,000 to 200,000 visitors for the eclipse, Summit County is urging residents to stay at home because of anticipated traffic congestion.
During an information panel discussion about the upcoming eclipse, Summit County Health Commissioner Donna Skoda said not to plan on being able to rush home from an event once the eclipse ends.
“I would sorta take the attitude that if I’m going to leave the party, then I’ll get home when I get home,” Skoda said.
For those interested in attending eclipse events, the county recommends considering carpool options, filling gas tanks beforehand and packing an ample supply of food and water. Plan to arrive early and stay longer than expected.
Check out eclipse events around the city
Some Akron organizations have already planned watch parties, and more are sure to come.
Akron Art Museum, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy solar-themed art, live music, art activities and eclipse-themed refreshments. The event is free, but registration is required.
Akron-Summit County Public Library (Main Library), noon to 4 p.m.
View the eclipse from the library’s outdoor amphitheater or watch NASA’s livestream in the auditorium. Additional library branches will also host eclipse viewings.
Akron Zoo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check out crafts, education stations and science experiments at the Akron Zoo. Presale tickets are required and will be available online by Feb. 24. Cost is $5 to $7 for members and $11 to $18 for non-members. Eclipse glasses will be available for all guests, as well as a limited number of eclipse viewers for guests with sensory needs.
Mustill Store Museum, 1 to 4 p.m.
Join Cascade Locks Park Association for its eclipse party. Free eclipse glasses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
More viewing areas:
Find them at https://www.visitakron-summit.org/solar-eclipse/
Take a chance on an ‘out-of-this-world’ celebration
Municipal Court Judge David Hamilton and the Cascade Locks Park Association are on the hunt for a couple who wants to be married during the eclipse festivities. At 1 p.m., the lucky couple will be married to kick off the park association’s solar eclipse party.
Interested couples have until Tuesday, March 5, to fill out an application and submit a short essay on why they want to be married on April 8.
Fill out the form below if:
1. You’re hosting an eclipse-related event — we’ll help spread the word in our newsletters and in future listings.
2. You have a question about the April 8 eclipse. We’ll find the answers!
