What makes the eclipse of 2024 special, and when was see the last solar eclipse in Ohio?

The Ohio total solar eclipse of 2024—a once-in-a-lifetime event—is rapidly approaching.

For the first time in more than 200 years, Ohioans (as well as the hundreds of visitors from outside the state) will be able to witness a total solar eclipse on April 8. From southwest to northeast, the route of totality will traverse the state, going through places like Cleveland and Akron and just north of Cincinnati and Columbus. The moon will totally obscure the sun during the eclipse, leaving a shadow on Earth.

Here’s a look at some of Ohio’s previous and future eclipses as well as what makes the eclipse in 2024 special, with the event just over a month away.

When was the last time there was a total solar eclipse in Ohio?

The last time Ohio saw a total solar eclipse was in 1806 and since the last time Ohio saw a total solar eclipse More than 200 years have passed.

When was the last total solar eclipse in the United States?

The last total solar eclipse occurred in 2017, and the longest total solar eclipse lasted for 2 minutes 42 near Carbondale, Illinois Lasted seconds. In 2017, totality was not observed in Ohio.

What makes the total eclipse of 2024 special?

According to NASA, the path of totality for the next total solar eclipse will be far larger than it was for the eclipse in 2017 and will pass through a more populous area. Compared to 12 million in 2017, an estimated 31.6 million people—including Ohioans—live in the path of totality this year. 150 million more people reside 200 miles from the path of totality.

In addition, prominences, or broad arcs of plasma hung above the sun’s surface, and real-time views of a coronal mass ejection, or the same object that creates the northern lights, could be two other solar phenomena associated with increased solar activity in 2024.

According to NASA, “streamers,” or layers of the sun’s atmosphere, should be visible during the eclipse. Furthermore, viewers will be in a better position to observe prominences, which are defined as brilliant, pink loops or curls that come from the sun.