Skip to Main Content

Learn

SOLAR ECLIPSES

Safe viewing is key to enjoying an eclipse, whether it is a partial or full eclipse. Starting October 9, 2023 you can receive solar eclipse glasses when you renew or purchase a Cincinnati Observatory membership!

  • Individual — up to 2 pairs
  • Family — up to 4 pairs
  • Mars and Venus — up to 6 pairs
  • Moon — up to 8 pairs + VIP Class on Eclipses to be held in early 2023
  • Sun — up to 10 pairs + VIP Class on Eclipses to be held in early 2023

Join today! 

*Membership fees are non-refundable.

Solar eclipse

October 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024

Mark Your Calendars

TWO solar eclipses coming to the

United States in less than a year.

 

This is your beginner guide to observing the solar eclipses safely

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun.  If the Moon covers part of the Sun, it's called a Partial Solar Eclipse - that is what will happen on October 14, 2023.  But when the Moon blocks the entire Sun (the coolest astronomical event you will ever see!) that is a Total Solar Eclipse - and that is coming April 8, 2024.

Click Here For a superbly detailed map of the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse or you can visit https://nationaleclipse.com/.

Everyone is going to be talking about the total solar eclipse in 2024.  But we don't want you to miss this year's show.  Let's first get you prepared for the partial solar eclipse on October 14.  That will be the practice run for the BIG ONE, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

October 14, 2023 - Partial Solar Eclipse

Here's the plan from Cincinnati:

  • 11:42am Partial Eclipse Begins
  • 1:05pm Max Eclipse (Sun 53% eclipsed)
  • 2:32pm Partial Eclipse Ends

Your eclipse time will vary depending on your location. 

For your city go to Eclipse Time and Date and enter your location

Or for even more details go to Great American Eclipse

Bring your lunch, blankets, lawn chairs, and weather-appropriate clothes, and come join the Obsersvatory under the Sun.

Admission: $25/adults, $15/children

See details for the event and register.

Annular solar eclipse by Dean Regas 2012

But wait, there's more to October 14

If you are in a certain swath of the country, you can see the Moon ALMOST cover the Sun.  The Moon will be too far from the Earth to block out the entire Sun. But if you're in the right place at the right time, you can view the Moon appear completely inside the disc of the Sun.  It looks like a ring of fire!

This is called an Annular Solar Eclipse.  

To find out where you have to be to see this ultra-cool, rare event please see:

NASA's October 14 Annular Eclipse Page

Interactive Google Map

Wearing eclipse glasses

The most important part of your Solar Eclipse experience is safety.  Looking at the Sun is dangerous!  But you can do it safely with a little planning.

Here are the basic rules:

  • Never look directly at the Sun without proper equipment
  • If you're not abslutely sure of your euqipment, don't look
  • Use specially made eclipse glasses
  • Use #14 welder's glass
  • Use professionaly made solar filters designed for telescopes and binoculars

There are several different ways of safely viewing the Sun which vary in cost and complexity.

The fanciest views show the Sun in hydrogen-alpha and let you see prominences and flares. 

Like:  Lunt 50 mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

And: Coronado Personal Solar Telescope

October 14, 2023: Partial Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024: Total Solar Eclipse

Copied!
close
ModalContent
loading gif