About the Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024, people within a 124-mile-wide band in the state of Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse, and the Dayton area will have a front-row seat. 

The eclipse begins at 1:53pm and will conclude at 4:25pm. However, the pinnacle of the eclipse will happen at 3:10pm when the moon fully covers the sun. It is only at this point that one can remove their eclipse glasses to view the sun’s corona. 

Be sure to check out our section on Eclipse Safety to learn more about ways to safely view the eclipse.  

Please note, Wright Library will be closed from 2:45 – 3:45 so that staff can enjoy the eclipse in Katharine Wright Park. 

• Total Eclipse of the Heart of it All, Ohio.org - Eclipse tourism information from Ohio.org
• 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park - eclipse viewing information for Dayton, Ohio
• Ohio Total Solar Eclipse, Ohio Emergency Management Agency
• Solar Eclipse 2024, Ohio Department of National Resources - park viewing areas and eclipse resources
• Eclipse viewing at Old River Park - City of Oakwood is planning an eclipse gathering at Old River Sports Complex and Park

Eclipse Safety & Resources

Except during the 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 without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. 

Viewing 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 optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.

Dayton's Channel 2 news warns: "When putting on a pair of eclipse glasses, if you see any form of light, it can be an indicator they are fake. Experts say eclipse glasses block out 99.99% of the sun’s light."

For more information, read this article from the American Astronomical Society: How Can You Tell If Your Eclipse Glasses or Handheld Solar Viewers are Safe? [AAS.org] 

Check out these alternative ways to safely view the solar eclipse: 

• Pinhole & Optical Projection [AAS.org]
• Safety: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse [NASA.gov] 

Eclipse Resources

• Eclipse Simulator
• NASA Eclipse Information
• Eclipse Overview GLOBE Observer

Participate in the Miami Valley Eclipse Survey

Eclipse Glasses

Wright Library is all out of eclipse glasses. 

Thanks to a generous grant from The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Space Science Institute, Wright Library distributed free eclipse glasses at select eclipse-related programs in March. Oakwood City Schools and pre-schools also distributed glasses to students and staff in March, on behalf of Wright Library.

Where can I to get eclipse glasses?

Missed your chance to get glasses from the library? Here are some possible sources of free eclipse glasses not associated with Wright Library. If using these resources, please be cautious to avoid counterfeit glasses. Learn more about Eclipse Safety.

• WHIO-TV & partner businesses at various locations, starting March 23 - WHIO News has partnered with local businesses to offer free eclipse glasses
• Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park Eclipse Viewing Party, April 8 - the National Park Service says glasses will be supplied to attendees. 
• Eclipse Gathering at Miami Whitewater Forest, April 8 - Great Parks of Hamilton County says a limited supply of glasses will be distributed to attendees.
• Warby Parker stores in Cincinnati & Columbus, April 1-8 - eyewear shop locations giving away free, ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last) at all stores, including locations in Columbus and Cincinnati
• Cincinnati.com Guide to Eclipse Glasses

Eclipse-related Programs & Activities

Join us at Wright Library for these special eclipse-related programs and activities. A limited supply of eclipse glasses may be available to attendees at events marked with 😎, while supplies last.

• Eclipse Talk on March 28 😎
  • Learn about the Great North American solar eclipse from JPL Solar System Ambassador Kurtz Miller
• The Big Day! Eclipse Viewing in Katharine Wright Park at Wright Library - Apr. 8 
  • Outdoor activities starting at 1:30 PM (weather permitting). The Library building will close from 2:45-3:45 PM
  • Bring your own eclipse glasses or eclipse viewer! We will not be distributing glasses at this event.
  • Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you wish.

😎 = events where eclipse glasses may be available for attendees. Limit 1-2 per household, please.