*The above video is about Purdue University’s eclipse weather balloon falling into Lake Erie*
ERIE COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) — An eclipse weather balloon, with atmospheric measurement devices, was found on a small cattle ranch in Berlin Heights Saturday, as well as in Elyria and throughout Northeast Ohio.
University of Wyoming students drove 1,300 miles to Bluffton, Ohio, to be in the path of totality for the eclipse on April 8.
The balloons were launched from Bluffton and rose to 110,000 feet before being landing with its parachute 110 miles away in Berlin Heights where it was found by Angie Catalano who sent pictures of the weather balloon to Fox 8 News.
The students launched 32 weather balloons to take real time readings of temperature, wind, humidty and gravity waves to see how the shadow of the eclipse might impact those elements.
University of Wyoming Researcher Philip Bergmaier told Fox 8 News Saturday, the students’ research could help with future weather forecasting and furthers the study of eclipses.
“It was a great opportunity for Wyoming students to get field work in Ohio,” he said.
Courtesy: University of Wyoming
Courtesy: University of Wyoming
Courtesy: University of Wyoming
The weather balloon devices are marked as, “harmless weather instrument,” and with “National Eclipse Weather Balloon.”
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The great eclipse of 2024 turned a sunny day in Cleveland to darkness for an exhilarating 3 minutes and 50 seconds.
The moment when the moon passed between the Earth and the sun and cast its mighty shadow created the experience of a lifetime for Northeast Ohioans and visitors from across the country and the world.
For eclipse-watchers at the Great Lakes Science Center, sharing the astronomical moment as a community of stargazers was thrilling.
An 85-year-old visitor from Boston beamed as she told us, “This was absolutely fantastic and I finally saw totality. This was my goal, because I will never see another here in the United States. The place here couldn’t have been more perfect. It was wonderful. Everybody was so enthusiastic.”
The patriarch of a family that gathered for the eclipse, told us, “It’s always good to be with family, so any time you can have a historical moment, but also be with people you love, why not?”
Avon Lake was in the path of totality and the city prepared for the eclipse for months. Thousands shared the experience in a festival-like atmosphere in the stadium at Avon Lake High School.
“I mean, it’s a cosmic experience right in all cities of the world, so we are just amazed,” said Fabio Fabiolina, a visitor from Brazil.
Lorraine Helmkay, who traveled from Toronto to Avon Lake, told us, “I just think that people coming together and having a beautiful moment like this that we can share together in our history is a beautiful thing. It’s been terrific. Everybody has been so awesome.”
In Akron, eclipse-viewers were amazed by the dramatic change in light and temperature, and for some, April 8, 2024, will be a date that they will mark time by in their lives.
“The lighting, the brightness, the covering. … I just wasn’t expecting to see something that bright, glorious. It was pretty outstanding,” said Joe Kunzler.
Theresa Lefeave, who traveled to Akron from Virginia, told FOX 8 News, “It was fantastic. The ring at the end — amazing. Absolutely loved it.”
Akron eclipse-watcher Keith Munnerlyn added, “sitting outside and looking dead at it was spot on, awesome, yeah!”
And people are out in full force in downtown Cleveland Monday to celebrate not just this big event at about 3:13 p.m., but also the Guardians home opener at 5:10 p.m.
FOX 8 is out and about near the Great Lakes Science Center (among other spots in the city) taking in all of the action. As the day has gone by, the sunshine has broken through. Check out photos from the day below:
Not only is FOX 8 broadcasting the eclipse live Monday afternoon from Cleveland, we’re also hosting an on-air special from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
*The above photo shows the phases of the total solar eclipse*
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin for Lake Erie boaters regarding this Monday’s April 8 total solar eclipse.
“We will be setting up a communications command center, bringing in extra Coast Members, boats and helicopters to focus on safety April 8,” said Lieutenant Phillip Gurtler.
“We expect a lot of boat activity on Lake Erie for the eclipse,” Gurtler told Fox 8 News.
According to the Coast Guard boater bulletin, “While offering stunning celestial display, the eclipse may present challenges and potential distractions for those who navigate and operate commerical vessels on the Great Lakes.”
The Coast Guard safety tips are also for recreational boaters primarily on on Lake Erie and other parts of the lower Great Lakes.
The most unique safety tip offered by the Coast Guard states:
“Be aware that rapid changes in light may affect spatial perception and visibility.”
Boaters are also urged to remember to turn on their navigation lights because darkness will fall fast during the eclipse starting just after 3 p.m. in Cleveland.
Safety forces also say to have someone on the boat be a lookout and have flashlights ready.
*Above video shows the phases of a total solar eclipse*
(AP / WJW) — Some who hope to witness Monday’s Total Solar Eclipse may see the sun obscured by clouds instead of by the moon.
There’s still plenty of time for forecasts to change, but National Weather Service meteorologists predict that eclipse day storms could blanket parts of the path, which stretches from Mexico and Texas through Ohio and parts of Canada.
Marc Chenard, with the NWS says the northeast U.S. currently has the best chance of clear skies, along with parts of Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois.
WHAT ABOUT OHIO WEATHER FOR THE ECLIPSE?
Parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Texas are questionable. Northeast Texas, Chenard says, “could kind of go either way at this point.”
FOX 8 METEOROLOGIST DONTAE JONES ECLIPSE FORECAST:
As of Thursday evening, Fox 8 meteoroligist Dontae Jones’s forecast for Monday, April 8, calls for “a cloudy start, a few spotty showers Monday morning. Nothing widespread. PM More clouds than sun. Highs near 60. Cloudcast coverage of 60%.”
WHAT TIME IS THE SOLAR ECLIPSE TOTALITY IN CLEVELAND?
On Monday, April 8, Jones says eclipse totality starts at 3:13 p.m. and totality lasts until 3:17 p.m.
WHAT TIME IS THE CLEVELAND GUARDIANS HOME OPENER MONDAY?
The Guardians will play the Chicago White Sox with first pitch at Progressive Field set for 5:10 p.m. That’s about two hours after peak of the total solar eclipse eclipse. Home Opener’s in Cleveland have had a history of being rained out and snowed out, weather for the game looks to be cooperating at this point.
FORECAST ELSEWHERE
Clouds are expected in much of the eclipse’s path Monday thanks to storms that are moving across the central U.S.
How accurate is the eclipse weather forecast? “The uncertainty is still pretty high,” Chenard said. The storms moving across the country make it difficult for meteorologists to predict exactly where and when clouds will arrive.
Weather conditions in the northeast U.S. have looked promising so far, but the timing and speed of Monday’s storms may influence what cloud cover looks like for the rest of the country.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center will update the eclipse forecast daily until Monday.
How can I see the solar eclipse if it’s very cloudy or rained out?
Eclipse viewers can still watch the total solar eclipse online.
NASA will stream telescope views of the sun and on NASA TV starting at 1 p.m. EDT.
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Cleveland police are taking extraordinary steps this weekend to keep crowds safe downtown, the FOX 8 I-Team learned.
First for the Women’s NCAA Final Four and then for the total solar eclipse, Cleveland police officers have found their days off canceled.
The city expects huge crowds to come in while depending on protection from a police department chronically short-staffed.
So, good chance you’ll see officers handling a call downtown this weekend while working on a day off.
An internal notice sent out to officers last month shows days off canceled for some on Friday, others on Sunday and everyone on Monday.
The police department wants to make sure the city has enough police on the streets.
Last year, we saw fights and gunfire at the downtown Christmas tree lighting festival. We later spoke to families left shaken.
“We’re prepared,” Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd told the I-Team. “We’re planned. We’re ready for this.”
She said you might see detectives working in uniform or others normally seen in office jobs.
The big events come as the Cleveland Police Department is short-staffed by hundreds of officers.
“You know, this is a major event. So, anything that’s outside the normal operations is going to going to cause us to change the way we deploy,” the chief added. “With the solar eclipse coming up, it’s hard to say how many people are going to be in town for that.”
The I-Team also checked back on the usual number of officers assigned to patrol downtown. Last summer, we found that unit short by nearly a third. Now, the union tells us the downtown unit is still short about a third.
“We are very short of staff,” Andy Gasiewski, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolman’s Association, said.
He added that, with big crowds, officers know they first have to stay alert.
“Anything can happen at any given moment and it’s just being aware of your surroundings,” he said.
The chief points out, at the tree lighting, some troublemakers turned violent even with officers steps away.
Late last year, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department added downtown patrols with deputies. We’ve learned, for this weekend, the sheriff’s department will have those patrols out along with even more deputies.
Jennifer Ciaccia released a statement on behalf of the sheriff’s department:
“Safety is a top priority of Cuyahoga County.
“This weekend will be an exciting time in Downtown Cleveland as the city hosts the Women’s NCAA Final Four, followed directly by the total solar eclipse. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department will have deputies detailed for each of the events as well as the downtown safety patrol. In addition, the sheriff’s department continues to work with law enforcement partners at local, state, and federal levels, as well as city and county emergency management agencies, to plan for a safe event.”
“We want the officer visibility. We want people to come down and have a good time,” Police Chief Dorothy Todd said.
Learn more about safety and parking downtown here.
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Spring has sprung! And although Ohio temperatures don’t always reflect that, flowers are blooming and the sunshine is peeking through more often. That means it’s time for spring activities!
With plenty of outdoor, indoor and family-friendly events coming up this spring in Northeast Ohio, there is sure to be something everyone can enjoy.
Fox 8 News has compiled a list of some of the upcoming events you can attend this year. Check them out below:
Guests can join a Summit Counnt naturalist to learn all about maple syrup production at Summit Metroparks Maple Mania. Guests will learn all about tapping trees, how sap is collected and how the syrup is actually made at the Twinsburg Ledges Area & Nature Center. You’ll even get to taste so fresh local syrup for yourself!
Head over to Tower City Center this spring for the Spring Garden! The Cleveland Bucket List is hosting and event for guests to meet the Easter Bunny and do spring crafts. Spring Garden at Tower City Center is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 – 5 p.m.
The Cleveland Home & Remodeling Expo is being held at Cleveland’s IX Center March 22 – 24. Guests can shop for home products, and services and see the beautiful home displays for home remodeling inspiration. According to the Cleveland Home & Remodeling Expo website, there will be more than 300 booths to explore at the expo.
Tours of the beautiful City of Cleveland are great for tourists and residents alike! The Cleveland from the Inside walking tour is a great way to see and learn about the interiors of some of the city’s greatest buildings. Click here for more details.
Cleveland goes all out for Dyngus Day! This Polish holiday is celebrated with food, dancing, and Polish culture and traditions.
Hosted by the Cleveland Bucket List, the ticketed event will shut down several blocks of Detroit Avenue with entertainment on the Happy Dog Street Stage from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tours of the beautiful City of Cleveland are great for tourists and residents alike! The Downtown Public Art walking tour is a great way to see and learn about public art in all its forms in and around the Civic Center of downtown Cleveland. Click here for more details.
The 48th Cleveland International Film Festival will take place April 3-13 at Playhouse Square. There will be more than 360 films from 60 countries are part of this year’s lineup. Click here for everything you need to know.
All eyes will be on Cleveland as the city prepares to host the 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four on April 7. NCAA leadership, ESPN and Cleveland organizations encourage fans to come downtown for the tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, even if they don’t have a ticket to one of the games. There will be free events, including a fan festival featuring sports activities and pep rallies. There’s also a free Super Saturday Concert featuring Latto, a pre-game party on the plaza, a unique parade just for kids and special presentations and motivational discussions about women’s sports.
Festival hours:
April 4: 3-8 p.m.
April 5: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
April 6: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
April 7: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Click here for more Final Four events in Cleveland. Click here for everything you need to know about the NCAA Women’s Final Four on April 7 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Solarfest is a four-day celebration starting on Friday, April 5, and going through Monday, April 8, celebrating the total solar eclipse.
The weekend event will have activities including live music, trivia contests, family programs, curated “celestial” artifacts from the Rock Hall’s vault, an eclipse-themed soundtrack playing throughout the weekend, and album listening parties celebrating the music of artists including David Bowie, the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.
On April 8, the day of the total solar eclipse, the Rock Hall will have a prime viewing area on the Union Home Mortgage Plaza. Click here to get your tickets now.
Join the Hafbrauhaus for its first family day in spring and celebrate the season with face painting, crafts for kids and more. Click here to make a reservation now.
Northeast Ohio will be one of the BEST places in the country to view the highly-anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8. Click here for everything, and we mean everything, you need to know.
The Cleveland Guardians home opener – which coincides with the same day as the total solar eclipse – is set for April 8. The first pitch is planned for 5:10 p.m. against the Chicago White Sox. Gates will open at 2 p.m. for the opener, due to expected traffic surrounding the eclipse that day. Click here to get your tickets.
Activities to do on your own time:
Don’t forget the activities that are back in season, such as zoos, baseball games, and botanical gardens: Here’s a list of Cleveland seasonal activities to check out:
CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Ohio Department of Transportation has created a map to help drivers and travelers navigate the roads on the day of the total solar eclipse.
Many areas in Ohio are located inside the path of totality for the solar eclipse, which will take place on Monday, April 8. Because our state is a prime viewing area, many schools and businesses are closed and many travelers are expected to visit.
ODOT created a map for drivers to see where traffic might be on Ohio’s state highways to view the solar eclipse, which will be over the state from about 3:08 p.m. to 3:19 p.m.
ODOT has made traffic estimates for four different scenarios based on the number of people visiting the state.
The scenarios are divided into a 150,000 visitor estimate, 350,000 visitor estimate, 575,000 visitor estimate, and a 575,000 visitor estimate plus 50,000 extra to Hancock and Hardin counties.
On the maps, you can see daily traffic percentage changes, as well as compare daily traffic volumes.
***Related video above: Why some are planning to leave Ohio to witness April’s total solar eclipse.***
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The total solar eclipse is exactly one month away and residents across Northeast Ohio are getting ready to catch the celestial spectacle, but how will the weather hold up?
We all know conditions in Ohio this time of year can be a toss-up, but the National Weather Service took a look at how we fared on April 8 in the past.
The NWS took to social media on Friday, breaking down weather conditions at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on previous dates around 3 p.m.:
2023: Mostly clear, 53°
2022: Cloudy/rain, 47°
2021: Partly cloudy, 81°
2020: Fair skies, 64°
2019: Cloudy, 66°
2018: Fair skies, 35°
2017: Fair skies, 57°
2016: Mostly cloudy, 40°
2015: Cloudy, 51°
2014: Fair skies, 53°
2013: Mostly cloudy, 70°
2012: Partly cloudy, 59°
2011: Cloudy, 49°
2010: Cloudy, 50°
2009: Fair skies, 48°
2008: Mostly cloudy, 63°
2007: Cloudy, 30°
According to the FOX 8 weather team, expect 60% to 70% cloud cover during the month of April.
“Typically, there’s around 30% sunshine around the area. So, April is one of our cloudier months,” Meteorologist Jenn Harcher previously said.
Meteorologist Dontae Jones shared the graphic below, breaking down the average amount of sunshine Northeast Ohio sees every month:
FOX 8 meteorologists will keep an eye on weather conditions for the eclipse as it gets closer. Keep up with the latest weather updates here.
*Attached video: Total Solar Eclipse, What will weather be that day?
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The total solar eclipse will be here before we know it, so it’s important to have the perfect viewing spot in mind so you don’t miss it.
According to NASA, the eclipse will start in Cleveland on April 8 at 1:59 p.m. and reach peak darkness at 3:13 p.m. before ending at 4:29 p.m.
Thousands of people are expected to head to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio to watch the phenomenon, so Fox 8 News put together a list of events so you know where to celebrate. Read more:
Ashtabula County
SPIRE Academy is hosting an eclipse festival on April 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The soccer field and basketball court will be open and there will be shows, a lunch buffet, a beer and wine garden, bouncy houses, live music and more. Click here to get your ticket now.
Cuyahoga County
Restaurants like Neuvo Modern Mexican in Cleveland, which is typically closed on Mondays, will be open on April 8 from Noon until 6 p.m. The building has wall-to-wall windows and a wraparound patio outside making it an ideal viewing spot.
The Great Lakes Science Center is hosting a series of events to commemorate the historic day. The Total Eclipse Fest will be held from April 6-8. Click here for more information.
The eclipse falls on the same day as the Cleveland Guardians‘ home opener. The Guardians announced Wednesday that the first pitch in their home opener will not be thrown before 5:10 p.m.
Head to any of the Cleveland Metroparks for a great viewing spot of the total solar eclipse! Click here for eclipse apparel, events leading up to the eclipse and more details about viewing the solar eclipse at Cleveland Metroparks.
Bookhouse Brewing is holding a total solar eclipse watch party! The first 100 customers will get free eclipse glasses. Click here for more details.
Crocker Park is hosting “Total Eclipse of the Park” on April 8 from 2-3:30 p.m. in Westlake. There will be complimentary viewing glasses available with music and exclusive sales to enjoy. Click here for more details.
The City of Euclid is holding an eclipse festival starting at 1 p.m. on April 8. You can watch the eclipse at Euclid Community Stadium with viewing glasses provided by the city. Click here for festival information and details.
The City of Beachwood is holding a “Beachwood Blackout, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Party” on April 8 from 2-4:30 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be available. Click here for more details.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is celebrating the total solar eclipse with a weekend-long event this April. The Rock Hall’s Solarfest is a four-day celebration starting on Friday, April 5, and going through Monday, April 8. Click here for more details.
Erie County
Cedar Point plans to open up some of its rides on The Boardwalk and in Kiddy Kingdom for its special Total Eclipse of the Point event from noon to 6 p.m. on April 8. Click here for everything you need to know about this event.
The Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky is hosting an outdoor watch party with music, dances, crafts and more. Everyone in attendance will get Great Wolf Lodge eclipse viewing glasses and specialty Wolf Ears. Click here for more details.
Geauga County
Head to Chardon Square for featured presentations at 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. for eclipse-inspired activities, an art contest for students and food trucks. Events will be held from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on April 8. There will also be free solar eclipse glasses provided by Chardon Rotary.
The Great Geauga Total Solar Eclipse is being held on April 8 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Geauga County Fairgrounds. There will be crafts and activities for all to enjoy. Click here for everything you need to know.
Huron County
The City of Norwalk is “solar-brating” the eclipse with a kid-friendly viewing party that will have food trucks, a telescope, entertainment and free solar eclipse glasses. Click here for more details. There will also be a weekend-long celebration at the Huron County Fairgrounds From April 5-8.
Lake County
The Lake County Captain is hosting a Total Eclipse Weekend with events from April 5-8. Click here for more details.
According to Lake County, it will have several prime viewing areas in the center line of the eclipse.
Celebrate the eclipse at the Holden Arboretum from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on April 8. There will be food trucks, activities and more! Click here for more details.
The Village of Fairport Harbor is holding a viewing parting on Lighthouse Hill from 1-5 p.m. on April 8. There will be music and food trucks. Click here for more details.
Lorain County
City of Avon Lake Mayor Spaetzel highlighted two events in particular: An all-day festival for Eclipse Eve on April 7 and a view party hosted at Avon Lake High School’s Memorial Stadium.
The Lake Erie Crushers and Fusion. Marketing Group are celebrating the eclipse on April 8 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with Lights Out in The Land at Crushers Stadium in Avon. There will be a watch party, live music, vendors and activities for kids. Click here for more details.
Medina County
Hoppy Dude Brews in Hinckley is hosting a viewing party from 12-6 p.m. on April 8. There will be free glasses with the purchase of a beer. Click here for more details.
Portage County
The Streetsboro “Total Eclipse of the Park” will be held on April 8 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will be entertainment, food trucks and viewing glasses available. Click here for more details.
According to the City of Kent, there will be a laser light show at the Hometown Bank Plaza at 8 p.m. on April 7. At the event, there will be food trucks and adult beverages.
On April 8, A total solar eclipse viewing party will be held at Kent State University from 2:45-3:45 p.m. at Risman Plaza. Click here for more details.
Stark County
Watch the solar eclipse at the MAPS Air Museum on April 8 at 2 p.m.! A $40 admission per car includes a guaranteed parking spot with an unobstructed view, two pairs of eclipse-safe glasses and access to the museum from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Summit County
The First Congregational Church of Hudson is holding an “Eclipse Experience” on Sunday, April 7. The family friend event will have celestial-themed games, crafts and food. Eclipse viewing glasses will also be available. At 12:30 p.m., a guest speaker will also give a presentation about the eclipse, which will take place on April 8. Click here for more information.
The City of Akron is holding a Solar Eclipse Party from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on April 8. There will be activities, hosted by the Cascade Locks Park Association Team, as well as free eclipse glasses while supplies last. One lucky couple will also be getting married on the day of the solar eclipse at 1 p.m. If you would like to be that lucky couple, the deadline to submit an entry is Tuesday, March 5.
The Akron Art Museum is hosting an event on April 8 where guests can view solar-related art and participate in art activities with music and other pop-ups. Refreshments and cocktails will also be available. The event takes from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. Click here for more details.
The Akron Zoo is celebrating the total eclipse on Monday, April 8 with Total Eclipse of the Zoo from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Presale tickets are on sale now. Click here for more details.
Merick said communities all across the state that are in the direct path of the total eclipse have been working with them to make sure things go smoothly.
Dayton and Cincinnati are preparing for big crowds just like Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
Merick said the good thing about this eclipse is that it covers so much of the state.
“It’s a longer stretch with more metropolitan areas for viewing so that means there’s a stretch where people can spread out,” Merick said.
But, when you look at the state as a whole you could see a demand for resources stretching from the Ohio River to Lake Erie….along with traffic concerns and heavy demand for cell service.
CLEVELAND (WJW) – The total solar eclipse is just about six weeks away, so state leaders are making sure Ohio’s first responders are ready to deal with huge crowds.
“They’re really starting to sit down with their first responders, their communities, their churches and saying, ‘hey, we’re going to have a lot of people here. Let’s start thinking about our signage, our messaging’ and those kinds of things,” said Sima Merick, director of Ohio’s Emergency Management Agency.
While the Cleveland area and Lorain County will be close to the line of totality, about half the state will be in the direct path of the eclipse, which could cause major traffic jams.
It could also increase the demand for cellular phone service, including emergency lines.
Experts recommend packing your patience and maybe some snacks.
“I always keep reminding folks to take a little bit more with you and be prepared,” said Merick.
The skies over Northeast Ohio will go dark on April 8.
*Related video above: Great Lakes Science Center is looking for volunteers for its Total Eclipse Fest 2024*
CLEVELAND (WJW) — While many people are talking about the moment of totality, some pretty interesting things happen with colors, shadows, and “dark adaptation” just before and after a total solar eclipse.
Northeast Ohio will be one of the best places in the country to view the highly-anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8. There’s one thing local astronomer Jay Reynolds won’t be doing during the big event.
“Personally, I won’t be driving during the eclipse,” he said.
‘WEIRD SOURCE OF LIGHT’
“There will be some odd visual effects caused by what will seem like a weird source of light starting 20 minutes before and after the solar eclipse,” Reynolds said.
SEEING RED
Reynolds said color saturation will appear off.
“For instance, colors like red will lose their brilliance and appear faded, shadows will go from sharp to fuzzy before and after the eclipse,” he said.
Reynolds told Fox 8 News that on a typical evening, it takes 45 minutes from the very beginning of a setting sun to become complete darkness of night, “but only five minutes to go from fading light to blackness during a total solar eclipse.”
REMEMBER TO TURN ON YOUR HEADLIGHTS
“Nightfall in the middle of the day on April 8 will happen so fast in the last two minutes before totality, that many people with cars that don’t have auto-headlights, could forget to turn on their lights,” he said.
“Highways and roads will be darker than usual in the first minute of the nearly four minutes of totality because many streetlights don’t turn on immediately, they have sensors and gradually turn on as darkness falls,” Reynolds added. “But during 100% totality, we’ll plunge into darkness so fast, some streetlights will need a moment to go on.”
NOT LIKE DUSK
“It’s not like dusk when your eyes slowly adjust to darkness, which is why some people can squeeze in one more golf hole just before it’s too dark, but the two minutes before a total eclipse turns to blackness so quickly, I wouldn’t play baseball catch at that moment,” Reynolds said.
THE PHENOMENON OF DARK ADAPTATION
“This occurrence (eyes adjusting to sudden darkness) could be likened to hitting the switch in a fully lit room, turning out the lights, and entering complete darkness,” said Amy Babiuch, MD, a retina specialist at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. “It’s disorienting and we struggle to navigate in those immediate moments following darkness.”
“In a total solar eclipse, by the time the eclipse has finished, our eyes will still be in earlier stages of dark adaptation and could cause a similar, albeit lessened, effect as we go from partial light to complete darkness in the moments of an eclipse,” she said.
Babiuch said if the total eclipse happens when it’s sunny, the retinas in our eyes will need longer to adjust to the darkness and less time to adjust if it’s cloudy.
The last total solar eclipse in Ohio was 1806; the next total solar eclipse after this year’s in Ohio will be 2099. The next total eclipse elsewhere in the U.S. will be in 2044 across ther northern tier of the country.
