On April 8, 2024, Columbus will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1806. In case you didn’t know, a total solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth all align. Spanning 300 miles, the eclipse’s path will begin around 1:55 PM and reach total peak totality at about 3:12 PM, for a total duration of 2 hours and 31 minutes.
You can expect a noticeable temperature change, grayish skies, abnormal behavior from plants and animals, and then at peak totality, a dark shadow will appear just before the solar corona appears and totality hits.
Please Note: it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without the protection of specialized eye protection. Do not look at the Sun through a camera, binoculars, or telescope without a solar filter secured over the optics.
Columbus has a plethora of events to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon for everyone to enjoy. Let’s explore some of our top picks.
Land Grant Brewing Company x COSI Science Center Eclipse Watch Party
Join Land-Grant Brewing for an all-day eclipse extravaganza, featuring free eclipse glasses, exclusive COSI-collab Black IPA: Totality, interactive experiments with the COSI team, cosmic-themed music from Moon Voyager by Pink Floyd, and delicious local food trucks. RSVP here.
Solar Eclipse Day on the Rooftop
Witness the historic eclipse on the rooftop of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Hands-on learning activities will be available throughout the day including designing a military and NASA patch, drawing your perspective of the sky, and fun giveaways! Admission is free to NVMM members, $5 for students, and $10 for the general public. Learn more.
Experience the eclipse with VASO at Bridgepark in Dublin from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Attendees will be on the eighth-floor patio for an unforgettable viewing experience of the solar eclipse, complete with eclipse viewing glasses, drink tickets, complimentary tapas, and live entertainment by Dayna Sol. Get tickets here.
Grab your eclipse viewing glasses and some friends and prepare for the total solar eclipse! Stay safe and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, no matter what event you choose, or if you opt for your own backyard viewing party.