April 8 eclipse planning underway

What: Total solar eclipse

When: Monday, April 8, 2024

Where: Sheffield Lake and local communities are among those where the total eclipse will last the longest.

About the solar eclipse: A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears to totally obscure the sun.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, people within a 124-mile-wide band in the State of Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. The path of the April 8 total solar eclipse includes Sheffield Lake. Hundreds of thousands are expected to travel to Northeast Ohio to view the total eclipse, given its rarity.

The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099, according to Ohio EMA. Partial eclipses occur more frequently. One is scheduled for October 14 of this year. However, we are far from the direct path so Sheffield Lake will experience about 30% of the eclipse from shortly before noon until about 2:30 p.m.

Sheffield Lake prepares: Under the leadership of Fire Chief David Novak and Police Chief Andrew Kory, the city had begun planning for the event, working with other communities, county and state officials. Chief Novak has researched and read reports from safety officials in communities where the last eclipse drew enormous crowds. The number one goal is safety of residents and property.

Residents are encouraged to check this space for updates.