Solar Eclipses

Solar Eclipses
Solar Eclipses of 2023 & 2024

Solar Eclipses

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will cross Ohio. The 2023 eclipse in Centerville will be partial (with magnitude 52%). The partial phase will begin at 11:43:33 AM, with mid-eclipse occurring at 1:05:42 PM, and ending at 2:31:06 PM.


On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross Ohio. The eclipse will begin at 1:53:25 PM in Centerville, with the total eclipse occurring at 3:09:51 and lasting almost 2 minutes. The eclipse will end at 4:25:35 PM. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099.

Eclipse Eye Safety

Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse is unsafe, except during the brief phase of a total eclipse when the moon entirely blocks the sun's bright face. Whenever any part of the sun’s surface is showing, you will need protective glasses or filters! Ordinary sunglasses are not strong enough to protect your eyes.


Thanks to a generous grant from The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Space Science Institute, WCPL will be distributing FREE eclipse glasses to the public. Due to the anticipated demand for solar eclipse glasses and the Library's limited supply, we want to clarify the availability of the glasses from the Library:

  • One pair of glasses will be given per person at Eclipse-related programs and activities at the Library.
  • Not all who attend programs at the Library are guaranteed a pair of glasses, due to the limited supply.
  • Additional glasses may be handed out at community events.
  • These will be first come, first served, and only while supplies last.

Please Keep in Mind

  • If you have glasses for the 2023 eclipse, put them aside in a safe place to use them again in 2024.
  • Consider taking only one pair of glasses per household. Each of the 2023 and 2024 eclipses in Ohio will last over two hours, so there's plenty of time to pass glasses around among a group. Sharing is encouraged!
  • The 2024 total eclipse in Ohio is a big deal, so local schools may be providing glasses to students.
  • If you are interested in buying your own glasses, here is a list of reputable vendors from the American Astronomical Society.

Additionally, alternative viewing devices can be easily constructed. Here are some examples:


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