Watching the Solar Eclipse in Downtown Columbus

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a total solar eclipse is happening right here in Columbus! On April 8, 2024, Columbus, Ohio will experience 99.6% totality just after 3 pm. With plenty of group viewing opportunities and wide-open space to view the eclipse, Downtown Columbus will be a prime spot for this incredible event. Plus, Columbus may not be seeing the huge crowds that will populate areas in complete totality. Here’s your guide to seeing the solar eclipse in Downtown Columbus: 

The details:

• A partial solar eclipse will start at 1:55 pm. As the moon begins to overlap the sun, the sky will become progressively darker. The eclipse will reach its peak at 3:12 pm, at approximately 99.6% totality.
• After 3:12, the sun will gradually begin to be revealed once more, ending at approximately 4:27 pm. 
• From initial blockage to the very end, the total eclipse will last approximately 2.5 hours.
• This truly is once-in-a-lifetime, as the next eclipse in Ohio won’t occur until 2099!
• The next total solar eclipse that passes over North America is in 2033, happening in Alaska. The next solar eclipse within the contiguous United States, will be in 2044.
• The eclipse can NOT be safely viewed without eclipse glasses. See pickup locations below!

Where to find glasses Downtown:

• Experience Columbus Visitor Center ($1) – 277 W Nationwide Blvd
• Columbus Metropolitan Library (free) – 96 S Grant Ave (also available at other branch locations)
• COSI (available for $5 in gift shop, free on day of eclipse) – 333 W Broad St

Viewing parties:

• COSI x Columbus Metropolitan Library
  • April 8, 1-4:40 pm
  • Dorrian Green, 50 South Belle St
  • Youth and family will have the chance to engage with hands-on science activities and storytelling around space and the eclipse
• COSI x Land Grant Brewing
  • April 8, 12-4 pm 
  • Land Grant Brewing, 424 W Town St
  • Try the all-new Land Grant/COSI eclipse beer, plus enjoy demos from COSI. Family friendly!
• Solar Eclipse Day on the Rooftop
  • April 8, 10-5 pm
  • National Veterans Memorial and Museum
  • In partnership with NASA Solar System Ambassadors program, NVMM will have hands-on learning activities. 
  • Free for NVMM members, $5 for students, Ohio History Connection and COSI members, and $10 for general public.