On August 21, the moon will briefly cross over the path of the sun, creating a shadow over the earth. This year’s solar eclipse is making big headlines, and is surely something you have to see to believe.
There is a band that spans across the United States, and you have to be within that band to see the total solar eclipse. That band is south of Cincinnati, so our nearest viewing spots are in southwest Kentucky and the middle Tennessee. You can find the areas closest to Cincinnati on this map.
From Cincinnati, your best bet for solar eclipse viewing is to road trip to Hopkinsville, KY – about a 4 hour drive. Hopkinsville is right along the direct path for this year’s event, meaning you’ll experience the total eclipse. If you’re going to be viewing the solar eclipse, be sure you’re wearing appropriate eye covering. (You can order glasses made especially for eclipse viewing on Amazon). NASA lays out the guidelines for eclipse viewing safety here.
Cincinnati may not be in the direct path for this year’s solar eclipse, but there are several local spots where you can view part of this natural phenomenon, which is expected to take place between 1 and 4 p.m. If you don’t want to drive, there are several local spots offering viewing parties on August 21.
Here are the solar eclipse events in Cincinnati:
From 1:45-3 p.m., the Cincinnati Nature Center is hosting a solar eclipse viewing party. Participants will make “pinhole projectors” in order to view the eclipse safely. Meet in front of the Rowe Visitor Center. Preregistration required. Members pay $3; nonmembers pay $10 (includes daily admission).
From 1-4 p.m., go to Eclipse Day at Glenwood Gardens. Head to Cotswold Overlook anytime between 1-4 p.m. to view this phenomenon and learn more about it. This is a free event (Great Parks vehicle permit required).
The Cincinnati Observatory is offering safe solar viewing of the partial eclipse (weather permitting) from 12-4 p.m. Members will share information about the eclipse and offer tours of the observatory. Admission is free.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is hosting Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties on August 21 at the following branches: Greenhills (1-4 p.m.), Norwood (1-3 p.m.), Main Branch (2-3 p.m.), and Price Hill (2:30-3:30 p.m.).
Drake Planetarium is hosting a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on August 21 from 12-3 p.m. They will be live streaming the event inside the planetarium!