The sun goes out, darkness floods the earth, end of the world? No! Just a solar eclipse.
Questions build as the natural phenomenon draws near, the hype behind the upcoming syzygy (or eclipse) draws questions… and we have answers! With the total solar eclipse coming up soon (4/8/2024) it is important to realize what a total solar eclipse is and how you can safely watch this monumental event.
A solar eclipse is an event where the moon passes between the sun and earth leaving a shadow cast down to earth. This event is a well renowned and well known phenomenon. Solar eclipses don’t happen often with the last one being on 8/21/2017, and it is even rarer to witness a total solar eclipse. It is exciting to take time out of busy life and just appreciate natural, beautiful events like these.
This upcoming total solar is on April 8th, 2024 and can be fully seen in Cincinnati. You can see it from anywhere in the Cincinnati area including our home, Harrison! With this event happening so soon it’s important to remain safe while attempting to view the eclipse. It’s recommended to wear eclipse glasses so you can safely view it without possible eye damage. Even more exciting for some students, we have been given the day off, giving everyone a chance to view the eclipse.
The district decided to shut down school for several reasons. The school website says “The timing of the total eclipse has created a tricky situation for school districts in the totality zone, as it is supposed to occur right around our dismissal time. The issue will not be the darkness, but instead, the amount of traffic in our area.” These reasons give even less of an excuse to watch the eclipse.
Cincinnati has not been a known viewing area for eclipses so this upcoming eclipse being about to be seen here is extraordinarily exciting. The first ever eclipse recorded to be seen was on September 17th 1811. Cincinnati is becoming a hot travel spot for this eclipse, with Cinncinati promoting itself as a great place to view the eclipse: the first time to see it in totality for almost 200 years.
This eclipse is exciting and a rare occurrence that no one should miss. Stay safe by not looking directly at the event with your bare eyes, and enjoy this unique moment for people in the Cincinnati area. We hope that you enjoy our day off on April 8th to take in the sight of the eclipse!
