On April 8th, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse. Not only does a total solar eclipse happen every 18 months or so, but this one will pass over way more cities than the eclipse in 2017 did. Mentor, Ohio will be a prime viewing spot for this! It will also be twice as long as the eclipse in 2017.

Schools such as Mentor, Medina, Akron, Brunswick, Madison, and more will be closed due to this eclipse. Many students and parents are asking why schools are closing for this. Fox 8 News reported, “Earlier this year, in a newsletter sent to parents, the superintendent of Rocky River City Schools announced Spring Vacation would be extended by an additional day for the once-in-a-lifetime event. He noted, ‘The eclipse is projected to pass through Rocky River around 3 p.m. – about the same time schools are getting out – and many public safety organizations have asked schools not to be in session on April 8 to help alleviate traffic and congestion in the area.'”

It has been rumored that the population in Mentor will triple with tourists. Because of the population rise the Mentor Public School system has decided that the schools will close and the tourists can use the school’s parking lots to park their cars. News broadcasters have said Avon Lake and Mentor will be prime viewing places for the eclipse.

Many people are excited for this day. Physical Science teacher at Mentor High School Wendy Luciano says, “I am excited! Not only is it going to be a day off, but it’s going to be a big deal, even though the total darkness will be less than 4 minutes, it will likely be something to remember! It’s pretty neat that Lake County happens to be right in the path. Now all we need are no clouds that day! There was one about seven years ago, but it wasn’t directly over us. I’ve seen t-shirts for sale commemorating the event and people have plans to do all sorts of things, but I think I’ll watch from close to home so I don’t have to fight any traffic. It just so happens to be my oldest daughter’s 23rd birthday, too!”

As you can tell she’s very excited for the eclipse. Some students have even said that they are also excited for the eclipse, not only because of the day off but because many are fascinated by it. Hopefully the weather will be clear and we will be able to see the eclipse perfectly.

Even though some states like Texas and Kentucky will have the most visibility, Ohio – more specifically around Cleveland – will also be able to see the totality of the eclipse. Be sure to wear protective eye wear. Common eye glass stores and Metroparks will be selling protective eye wear for this occasion.

From April 6th – April 8th the Great Lakes Science Center will be partnering with NASA Glenn research station to have a “Total Eclipse Fest 2024.” It is a three day celestial celebration at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland. Admission is free and will feature family-friendly science and art festivals and free concerts. The Cleveland Orchestra will be performing as well as many other performers.

Not only will the Great Lakes Science Center be having this event and the eclipse happening, the Cleveland Guardians will be having a home opener against the White Sox at Progressive Field all in the same day! Originally the first pitch was supposed to happen during the eclipse, but because of the event it has been pushed back until 5:10 p.m. The Guardians have already announced the game is a sell-out with more than 30,000 fans in the stands. So, because of the thrilling baseball game and the solar eclipse that Northeast Ohio will experience for the first time in two centuries, the population in here will more than likely double.

Now, some people might not know what a solar eclipse is or how it is caused so in simple words NASA describes it this way: “Sometimes when the Moon orbits Earth, the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth. When this happens, the Moon blocks the light of the Sun from reaching Earth. This causes an eclipse of the Sun, or a solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the Moon casts a shadow onto Earth.”

Remember, if you or someone you know plans on watching the solar eclipse this year make sure to wear the standard glasses/eye wear to protect your eyes and be safe.