Learn
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
*Membership fees are non-refundable.
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
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:
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
