Total Solar Eclipse 2024

Solar eclipse basics

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

On this date, people within a 124-mile-wide band in the state of Ohio will experience the total solar eclipse. And we are part of that totality!

Areas in Ohio that are outside the path of totality will experience a partial eclipse. A total solar eclipse is a rare and spectacular event. On average, one happens somewhere on the Earth only once every 1.5 years. Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the entire existence of the United States. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099.

Total solar eclipse with diamond behind tree

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon casts its shadow on the Earth as it passes between the Earth and the Sun. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears to totally obscure the Sun.

The solar eclipse here in Eaton will begin at 1:52 p.m. It will reach totality at 3:08 p.m., and be at maximum totality at 3:10 p.m. Totality will end at 3:11 p.m., when the eclipse will begin its reversal -- and end at 4:25 p.m.

We will have nearly 3 1/2 minutes to experience the totality -- 3 minutes and 27 seconds according to officials.

After the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

April 8, 2024 is your chance to experience it here at home.

Find more information about the total solar eclipse around Preble County HERE.

Viewing safety

The only safe way to look directly at the sun during an eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters, like eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. The only safe time to look at the sun without solar filters is during the 2-4 minutes of total eclipse. It is never safe to look at the sun without solar filters during any other phases of the eclipse.

Only look at the eclipse through a special-purpose solar filter. Safe eclipse glasses should comply with ISO 12312-2 international standard. • Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are unsafe. They transmit too much sunlight and could damage the eyes.

A limited number of NASA-approved, ISO 12312-2 glasses are available for purchase at the Eaton City Building for $3.

Find eclipse safety tips HERE and HERE, or download them below.

Free viewing event

Being in the path of totality gives area residents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the total solar eclipse on Monday afternoon, April 8.

And what better place to watch than the open sky above Seven Mile Park in Eaton?

Eaton Parks & Recreation will host a special eclipse-watching party, Glow in the Park, from 1-5 p.m. at Seven Mile Park, 1601 Park Avenue, on Monday, April 8. This fun afternoon of activities, music, and food will provide for the perfect atmosphere for viewing the total eclipse, so get there early to find your perfect spot.

The afternoon will feature performances by some of Preble County’s hottest musical acts, headlined by Tyler Michael Walton and The Mayflower Satchel, and including Big Chili and Ryan+Rose.

There’ll be inflatable fun for all ages, including glow axe throwing, an obstacle course, a giant robot slide, a field goal kick, and a giant boom box bounce. There will also be 9-hole LED miniature golf to play. Don't miss out on a special free souvenir photo from Celebrate the Moments Photo Booth! Watch for additional activities to be added.

All entertainment and activities are free. Concessions will be available for purchase from Tipsy Hog, Groovy Sweets, Papa John’s and The Stable, Molokini's Shaved Ice and Knob Creek Coffee. Watch for additional vendors to come on board as well.

The activities during the Glow in the Park are brought to you through the generous help of our community partners, Neaton Auto, Wallace Heating & Air and the Preble County Development Partnership.

For more information, or to set up as a vendor, contact Service & Parks Coordinator Zac Wilson at 937-456-4949, Ext. 123, or via email to zwilson@cityofeaton.org.

Other viewing/parking locations

Overflow parking for Glow in the Park and eclipse viewing will be located at DP&L Fields and on the grounds of the City of Eaton Public Maintenance facility on W. Lexington Road. Look for signs designating parking areas.

Rumpke altering collection schedule April 8-9

Due to the rarity, and the limited viewing area of totality, our region is expected to see a large influx of visitors. Historical guidance shows we may have three times the population. Complications with travel and communications (cell and internet service) as well as fuel shortages are expected.

Because Rumpke provides an essential, critical service, they want to make sure residents are provided with friendly, reliable service the week of April 8.

To ensure uninterrupted collection, Rumpke is adjusting their collection start times for Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9. On both days, crews will start at midnight to service customers prior to the anticipated heavy traffic. It is important that residents place their trash at the curb the night before their scheduled collection day.