Michigan Residents Prepare for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Where to Watch and What to Know
The year 2024 is set to be an exciting one for sky gazers in Michigan as they prepare for the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8th. While the city of Detroit won’t experience complete darkness, a small portion of southern Monroe County will fall within the path of totality, allowing residents to witness the awe-inspiring event firsthand.
For those hoping to experience the full splendor of the eclipse, there are a few options. One can drive to mid-Ohio or mid-Indiana, which are both within a reasonable distance from Michigan. Alternatively, heading north to Canada and finding a spot along Lake Erie or Lake Ontario will also provide a prime viewing location.
Michigan residents who prefer to stay close to home can still enjoy the eclipse. Various events and viewing sites are being organized throughout the state, offering opportunities to witness the moon crossing over the sun with NASA-approved eclipse glasses.
The Detroit Public Library will be hosting several family-friendly crafting activities at its Main Branch on Woodward Avenue. Eclipse glasses will be provided for all ages, allowing visitors to safely observe the celestial phenomenon. The Sherwood Forest Branch will stream the NASA broadcast and host a celebratory watch party, while the Jefferson Branch will offer eclipse glasses for a viewing and craft fair. The Knapp Branch will have a telescope with a solar filter available for viewing the partial eclipse, and the Elmwood Park Branch will provide free eclipse glasses along with a series of “STEM Challenges” related to the solar eclipse.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills invites residents to view the eclipse through their state-of-the-art astronomy telescope. Additional programming will also be available to enhance visitors’ understanding of this rare celestial event.
Outside of Detroit, the Springfield Township Library in Davisburg is hosting a Total Eclipse Party, providing a fun and educational environment for eclipse enthusiasts. The Parchment Community Library in Parchment is also hosting a Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party in its community room, offering a space for people to gather and witness the wonders of the sky together.
While Michigan offers some fantastic viewing sites, neighboring Ohio provides even more options for eclipse enthusiasts. Cleveland, just a short two-and-a-half-hour trip from Detroit, falls within the path of totality, guaranteeing a truly awe-inspiring experience. The city, along with the rest of Ohio, is planning a variety of events and activities to celebrate the eclipse.
From April 6th to 8th, the Total Eclipse Fest 2024 will take place in Cleveland, offering immersive and educational programming in partnership with the Great Lakes Science Center. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located south of Cleveland, is one of the few national parks within the path of totality, providing stunning views of the eclipse against the park’s beautiful landscapes.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton will be another primary viewing site in Ohio, offering a range of programming throughout the day. Twin Lakes Golf Course and Restaurant in Bellevue is hosting an all-day watch party, allowing attendees to enjoy the eclipse from their 3,000-yard golf course. Additionally, the Crawford Farmstead in Amherst will host a three-day watch event on its 6.5-acre property.
For photography enthusiasts, Pixel Connection, a camera store in Avon, falls directly within the path of totality and will be offering expert guidance on capturing stunning images during their happy hour event. And for those looking to celebrate the eclipse with a glass of wine, Gar-Nay’s Winery in Collins is hosting an adult-only eclipse party, complete with four minutes of total darkness.
Whether you choose to stay within Michigan or venture into Ohio to witness the total solar eclipse, April 8th, 2024 promises to be a remarkable day. With various viewing sites and events available, there are plenty of opportunities to experience this celestial spectacle and marvel at the wonders of the universe above us. So mark your calendars, grab your eclipse glasses, and get ready for a truly unforgettable experience.
