A solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024. Lorain County is on the centerline of totality, which means we will be able to experience a total solar eclipse occurring around 3:15pm. During the eclipse, the sky will darken, similar to dawn or dusk. Lorain County last experienced a total solar eclipse in 1806 and will not experience another one until 2099!

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the earth. The moon blocks the light of the sun from reaching earth, which casts a shadow on earth. A total solar eclipse is when the moon completely blocks the sun. When this happens, the sun’s outer atmosphere (solar corona) glows around the moon.

Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and with our location on the centerline of totality, Lorain County and Oberlin may experience an influx of visitors on the day of the eclipse and the days leading up to the eclipse. Because of this increase in population, we may experience heavier traffic, increased wait times and/or shortages for goods and services, and potential loss of cell phone signal due to system overload.

With this in mind, please consider the following resident preparation tips:

• Gas up vehicles prior to the weekend (April 6 & 7)
• Stock up on food, drinks, and necessities prior to the event
• Avoid scheduling appointments (doctor, etc.) on April 8th, as practical
• Avoid travel over the weekend and event day

City Facilities & Services

As part of our public safety strategies, please be advised that public access to City facilities will be RESTRICTED on Monday, April 8th. City services will remain operational, however, and residents may conduct City business through the City’s website and/or via phone/email. Click HERE for the City Department Directory. Only the Oberlin Police & Fire Departments will remain accessible to the public on April 8th. Public access to City facilities will resume during normal business hours on Tuesday, April 9th.

Reminder: Emergency Services & Refuse/Recycling Collection are always available.

For those visiting Oberlin during the Solar Eclipse, please be advised of the following:

• There is NO OVERNIGHT PARKING in City Parks, including the Oberlin Recreation Complex
• There is NO RV PARKING OR CAMPING in City Parks, including the Oberlin Recreation Complex
• DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS in City parks or facilities, including the Oberlin Recreation Complex

Please follow all posted parking restrictions on City streets and parking lots.

***Never look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse***

Looking directly at the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause permanent damage to your eyes.  Retinal burns, known as solar retinopathy, can damage or even destroy cells in the retina (the back of the eye) that transmit what you see to the brain. It can take a few hours to a few days after viewing the solar eclipse to realize the damage that has occurred. Symptoms may include:

• Loss of central vision
• Distorted vision
• Altered color vision

If you experience any changes in vision that continue to get worse after viewing a solar eclipse, seek treatment from an eye care professional.

How to Safely View the Solar Eclipse

• Wearing Solar Eclipse Glasses: Glasses can be purchased in stores and online, but must meet the ISO 12312-2 International Standard to ensure proper eye protection.  Inspect your glasses before use. If they are scratched or damaged, do not use them. The American Astronomical Society offers information on safe solar glasses & filters. The City of Oberlin does not recommend any specific brand of glasses.
• Pinhole Projection: This is a safe and inexpensive way to view the solar eclipse. Simply make a pinhole in a piece of cardboard or cardstock and place a piece of paper on the ground. Hold the cardstock about three feet above the paper without obstructing the sun from hitting the pinhole. The eclipse will be projected onto the paper below.
• Look Through Welder’s Glass: Number 14 welder’s glass may be obtained from a welder’s supply store and provides effective eye protection. This glass reduces the harmful rays that are emitted during the eclipse. Do not use if there are any scratches or damage to the glass.

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