Many eclipse watchers were, with unaided eye, able to see the bright pink or red prominence shown here in our heavily-cropped image of the April 8, 2024 eclipsed sun. The prominences appear red because they are composed primarily of hydrogen which, at high temperatures, emits red light. Image rotated to place the prominence at top for aesthetic reasons. Image Credit: James Guilford / Stella-Luna Observatory.
While we very much wanted to view and photograph Sun’s corona during the April 8 total solar eclipse, a blanket of high, thin cloud covered the area blocking faint details. We were, however, able to observe and image the bright inner corona and prominences (“proms”) along the rim of the eclipsed Sun and what a show it was.
Sun is in the active phase of its 11-year cycle and, during totality, prominences were expected and seen in various sizes and at several sites around the rim. The largest was easily spotted with the unaided eye, causing questions from casual observers as it brightly shined at about the six o’clock position of the eclipse ring as viewed from North America. We were delighted with the images of proms that we were able to acquire!
As Moon drifted across Sun during totality it, in turn, covered and exposed different regions of Sun’s limb. To give a fuller impression of prominences seen, we grafted two of our images from totality into one picture; one image was recorded just as totality began, the other as totality was about to end. The resulting picture is not a view one would have had but does correctly illustrate the position and visual size of the proms.
Two images of totality are combined here to illustrate the visual size and placement of promiences exposed during totality of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. The large loop of the prominence near the six o’clock position was easily spotted with the unaided eyes of many, adding to the wonder of their eclipse experience. Image Credit: James Guilford / Stella-Luna Observatory.
Observers in Northeast Ohio were fortunate. Although the morning began with heavy cloud cover, skies cleared and allowed decent viewing of the eclipse in its entirety. Temperature drops were easily felt as bright daylight transitioned to an eerie twilight. As totality began, cheers of awe could be heard from gathered eclipse watchers at a nearby organized event. Automatic street lights illuminated. A robin was heard singing its evening song. Sunset colors lit the horizon about three-quarters of the way around us. In the southwest, beneath the eclipsed Sun, the horizon appeared dark. And then, as bright sunlight returned, first via a brilliant crescent, then by an expanding and warming solar disk, it was over. Those we spoke with were delightedly awestruck having had the experience of a lifetime.
Following are several images of Sun as the eclipse began, during the partial phase, and as it ended. Times are expressed as UTC and were recorded automatically by the camera, set via GPS. Observers in different areas will have seen times that differed from ours and each others due to parallax effects, Moon being much closer to Earth than is Sun.
First Contact: The first noticeable encroachment of Moon over the solar disk is shown here. This image was recorded at 17:58:34 and marks the beginning of the eclipse process. Two areas of sunspots are also noted here. Image Credit: James Guilford / Stella-Luna Observatory.Sunspot AR3628 was about to be covered by the silhouetted Moon as the eclipse progressed from the lower right-hand area of this image toward the upper left. This was imaged at 18:40 UTC. Image Credit: James Guilford / Stella-Luna Observatory.Fourth Contact: By this point most casual, and many serious observers, had packed up satisfied with a wonderful eclipse experience. We kept the camera running, just so that this instant could be recorded — the moment when Moon completed its passage in front of Sun, in this picture at 20:28:35 UTC. Image Credit: James Guilford / Stella-Luna Observatory.
We Saw It! The skies, recovered to blue and sunshine from overnight rain and clouds giving us hope and a spring in our step. As the hour of eclipse approached, so did a generally thin milky layer of clouds. The eclipse was not spoiled, however, and we enjoyed a wonderful view. We sincerely hope you were able to experience the “2024 Great American Eclipse” as well.
The Sun during totality, exposed to show prominences looping from the solar surface. Prominences were seen in several locations along the limb but the one seen here, near the bottom of the disk, was easily seen with the unaided eye. Photo by James Guilford.
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Eclipse Watching in Medina, Ohio
April skies are notoriously changeable here in Northeast Ohio where we are otherwise in an excellent location for viewing the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. In fact, the chances of a clear sky here are only about 37 percent. Ugh! Dedicated eclipse chasers will mostly head to the southwestern U.S. for better chances at clear skies. For those of us not traveling, let’s hope for clear skies here on the Big Day because a total solar eclipse is more than just an awesome sight, it’s an experience! Let’s be prepared.
An Updated List of Resources Appears Near The End of This Article
Time and Eclipses Wait for No One
Moon’s shadow will be clipping across Ohio at about 2,100 miles per hour, so the peak period of the eclipse — totality — is fleeting. Medina will experience about 3 minutes and 28 seconds of totality, which is pretty good. If we were in the central line of the path of totality, which passes right through Lorain, we would have 3 minutes and 53 seconds of glorious viewing. Here, courtesy of the U.S. Naval Observatory, are local times for critical points of the eclipse:
Timing in Medina, Ohio (Eastern Daylight Time)
Partial Eclipse Begins — 1:58:38
Totality Begins — 3:13:23
Maximum Eclipse — 3:15:06
Totality Ends — 3:15:51
Partial Eclipse Ends — 4:28:38
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Sights and Experiences
The eclipse will begin when Moon starts its passage across the solar disk. When viewed through protective filters, a tiny nick will be missing from Sun’s limb. That nick will gradually grow as the partial eclipse phase progresses. Viewed through “eclipse glasses” or other specialty solar filters, Sun will transition from a full disk to, eventually, a slim crescent. Our surroundings will not become dark as night but the light will take on an eerie softness as Sun fades. If, heaven forbid, skies are cloudy, it will be very dark in the path of totality … very dark indeed.
Sunspots may be visible. Dark markings of various sizes and shapes may be seen on the solar disk during the partial phases of the eclipse. Sun is in the most active phase of its regular cycle during which sunspots are common. If they are large enough, sunspots can be seen using eclipse glasses but are best observed through telescopes equipped with solar filters.
The air may feel cooler, birds and other animals may begin evening behaviors. Street lights and other automatic lighting may activate.
Just before totality begins, two interesting effects will be seen, caused by Moon: Baily’s beads are dots of sunlight that will dance along the edge of the blackened moon. The diamond ring effect is a singular burst of sunlight that, combined with the light ring of the now-eclipsed sun, is reminiscent of a shining diamond. Both effects are caused by sunlight shining through the mountainous terrain on Moon’s horizon as it moves into position in front of Sun.
Look around as these things are happening, and watch for shadow bands — dim waves of dark and light that will ripple across the ground immediately before and after totality. The bands are a memorable experience but often missed because most attention will be on the sky above!
During totality — and only during totality — eclipse glasses and solar filters are not needed. In fact, the eclipse will be too dim to be seen through the protective devices. Looking around where they are standing, watchers will notice that it is not as dark as night but something odd is to be seen. Overhead, where the brilliant afternoon sun should be shining, it’s dark but for the glorious total eclipse. Along the distant horizon, there is sunlight — it’s coming from areas outside of Moon’s shadow, away from the path of totality.
Marvel at Sun’s corona as it radiates from the dark circle of moon-covered-sun. It’s a sight not soon forgotten! During totality look for a star-like light to the southwest of the eclipse — it’s planet Venus! To the upper left of Sun’s position is planet Jupiter.
The interesting effects and partial eclipse phases will take place in reverse order as totality ends. Put those eclipse glasses and filters back on immediately — even the crescent Sun is powerful enough to damage unprotected eyes — and don’t forget to turn unprotected cameras away from Sun!
So What’s Happening?
A total solar eclipse occurs when Moon passes between Sun and Earth, causing Moon’s shadow to be cast on Earth’s surface. Moon is at the right distance from Earth that, when it does pass in front of Sun, the fit is nearly perfect, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the surface within its shadow. An annular eclipse happens when Moon’s orbit carries it a bit too far from Earth to cover the solar disk, producing a “ring of fire” — sunlight in a halo around the dark Moon. Most of the time, Moon’s orbit carries it into positions where its shadow “misses” Earth, so there’s no eclipse.
When the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, a solar eclipse takes place. (NEVER look at the sun during any type of solar eclipse! Looking at the sun is dangerous. It can damage your eyes.) Image Credit: NASA
As mentioned earlier, when totality is reached, Sun’s brilliant light is completely blocked as viewed from within Moon’s shadow. That shielding from brilliant sunlight allows the solar corona to be seen. The corona is a hazy glow surrounding the darkened Sun and is the outermost region of the Sun’s atmosphere, consisting of plasma (hot ionized gas). The corona continually varies in size and shape as it is affected by the Sun’s magnetic field so its appearance differs eclipse-to-eclipse and is of great interest to those who study our nearest star — it also makes totality a unique and awe-inspiring sight.
Eclipse Viewing Safety
Don’t risk your vision! Even when Sun is “mostly” covered by Moon before and after the total eclipse, sunlight will be strong enough to cause permanent eye damage. Sunglasses and other makeshift items are not enough. To look at the sun, use only certified “eclipse glasses” — filters — so you can safely view Sun before and after totality. Here’s a link to sources: https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters — More Information Below
Medina, Ohio Area Resources
Branches of Medina County (Ohio) District Library were distributing eclipse glasses free of charge, one per family, as supplies allow, at the time of this writing. Glasses are easy to share amongst family members, looking one at a time at the partly-eclipsed sun. In fact, it is best for adults to watch children who are using eclipse glasses to make certain they’re wearing them correctly and that can’t be done if the adult is wearing eclipse glasses at the same time — they’re too dark!Library Eclipse Programs
The Medina County Fair Board will be renting out Solar Eclipse Camping sites for campers and motorhomes beginning Friday April 5 thru Tuesday April 9. There will be electric hook-up and restrooms and showers on site. Call (330) 723-9633 or email medinafair@gmail.com to reserve a space. Looking for a place to just park your vehicle to watch the eclipse? You can rent a parking spot for $20 (cash only) at the Community Center parking lot.
Useful Mobile Apps via the AAS
Here you’ll find some of the best eclipse-related apps and software available, as judged by members of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Solar Eclipse Task Force: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/apps-software
Solar Eclipse Timer App
Want more precision and audio/voice prompts at critical points of the event? Then this app’s for you! (Included in the AAS list) There are versions for iOS and Android and a small charge to update to the 2024 version ($1.99 for iOS) but it’s worth it if you want a sophisticated digital assistant — be sure and install and update in advance for your observing location! https://www.solareclipsetimer.com/
A Word About “Eclipse Glasses“
Purchase and use only ISO filters and eclipse glasses certified for direct viewing of the sun. This is your vision, and that of your loved ones, we’re talking about here! Sunglasses, smoked glass, Compact Discs, photographic negatives, and other items are not safe for looking directly at Sun! Safe, inexpensive eclipse glasses and filter cards are widely available for this eclipse so should be bought in advance and stored safely away. Read and follow instructions that should be printed on eclipse glass frames. Check the “lenses” for damage such as tears or pinholes and throw the glasses away if any defects are found. The glasses can be kept and used after the event but should be examined before use every time. Remember, too, these often colorfully-framed eclipse glasses may be appealing to children BUT THEY ARE NOT TOYS — they are all that stand between the user and permanent eye damage so do not allow kids to play with them. For more on this subject, see:https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/iso-certification
If you’re using old eclipse glasses, make sure the lenses aren’t scratched or damaged. Check out this video from NASA on how to make sure your glasses are good to go: youtube.com/
Stella-Luna Observatory 