Solar Eclipse FAQ & Resources
We want the total solar eclipse to be a fun and safe event for everyone! Below you will find resources, important viewing information, and answers to frequently asked questions, all of which will help you make the most of your time in Dayton.
Safely Viewing the Total Solar Eclipse
Eye protection is key during a solar eclipse. With the exception of the very brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the sun unless you are using eye protection specifically for solar viewing. Be sure to use only ISO-certified-safe solar eclipse glasses and viewers.
Do not view any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the instrument as this will instantly cause severe eye injury.
Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. They transmit thousands of times too much sunlight and could damage the eyes.
For more information and safety tips, you can visit the Dayton & Montgomery County Public Health eclipse page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Total Solar Eclipse
What is a total solar eclipse and why is it so special?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. During a total solar eclipse, the sky darkens, temperatures drop, and the Sun's corona, the outermost layers of its atmosphere, becomes visible as a glowing halo around the blacked out Sun.
What is totality?
Totality is the very brief period of time during a total solar eclipse when the Sun is 100 percent blocked by the Moon and only the soft wisps of the solar corona can be seen. Dayton, Ohio will experience 2 minutes and 43 seconds of totality.
What is the "path of totality"?
The path of totality is the narrow track across the Earth along which the darkest part of the moon's shadow, the umbra, travels during a total solar eclipse. On either side of the path of totality an eclipse is only partial. Dayton and other parts of Ohio are in the path of totality for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.
Is viewing the eclipse inside the path of totality worth the trip?
Yes, it absolutely is! The closer you are to the center, the longer viewing time you have for totality. This marks the first time since 1806 that Ohio has witnessed a total solar eclipse, and it will be the last total solar eclipse over the continental U.S. until 2044
How much can the temperature drop during a total solar eclipse?
Although the temperature will usually drop about 10 degrees during a total solar eclipse, drops of as much as 20 degrees have been reported.
Additional Eclipse Resources
For additional information about the upcoming total solar eclipse, as well as more about how to safely view it, we recommend visiting the following websites:
Great American Eclipse Website
3 Fun Solar Eclipse Facts
1. This marks the first time since 1806 that Ohio has witnessed a total solar eclipse
2. This will be the last total solar eclipse over the continental U.S. until 2044
3. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio until 2099
Translation: You don't want to miss this historic event!
Eclipse Cleanup
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources needs your help! Volunteer to help with cleanup at its facilities and state parks after the eclipse.
Additional Information for Planning Your Eclipse Visit
While Experiencing the Eclipse in Dayton, Explore the Area's Other Aviation Sites!
in partnership with the National Aviation Heritage Area
