What to know when you’re searching for eclipse glasses
There are a few key pieces of information you’ll want to be aware of when buying eclipse glasses for 2024’s total solar eclipse.
Michigan residents will have the opportunity to view the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse within reasonable driving distance.
While Detroit doesn’t fall directly in the path of totality — it’ll have 99% coverage, but still not enough for the skies to noticeably darken — a small sliver of southern Monroe County is enough in the path that skies will darken for a few minutes in the afternoon.
To experience the total eclipse — and see the ring of light as the moon shades the sun — Michiganders must drive to mid-Ohio or mid-Indiana — or drive north to Canada and find a spot along Lake Erie or Lake Ontario.
Everything to know: 2024 total solar eclipse is April 8
Here are some ideas of where to go to watch the eclipse, whether you want to be in the path of totality or you’re OK with staying just outside of it. To watch from home, NASA will be live-streaming the full event.
Michigan viewing sites for 2024 eclipse
While none of these sites are just outside the path of totality, viewers will be able to see the moon crossing over the sun with NASA-approved eclipse glasses, weather permitting. Here are a few events where you can do so:
- Detroit Public Library events
- Main Branch, at 5201 Woodward Avenue, will have a host of family-friendly crafting activities and will provide eclipse glasses for all ages from noon to 5 p.m.
- Sherwood Forest Branch, at 7117 West 7 Mile, will be streaming the NASA broadcast and hosting a celebratory watch party from 3-5 p.m.
- Jefferson Branch, at 12350 Outer Drive East, will provide eclipse glasses for a viewing and craft fair around 2 p.m.
- Knapp Branch, at 13330 Conant, will have a telescope with a solar filter available for viewing the partial eclipse from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
- Elmwood Park Branch, at 550 Chene, will provide free eclipse glasses along with a series of “STEM Challenges” around the solar eclipse from 2-3 p.m.
- The Cranbrook Institute of Science, at 39221 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, invites residents to view the eclipse through their state-of-the-art astronomy telescope in addition to other programming.
- Springfield Township Library, at 12000 Davisburg Road in Davisburg, is hosting a Total Eclipse Party at 4 p.m. on April 8.
- The Parchment Community Library, at 401 S Riverview Drive in Parchment, is hosting a Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party in its community room from 1:45-4:30 p.m.
More: A total solar eclipse in April will cross 13 US states: Which ones are on the path?
Ohio viewing sites for 2024 eclipse
Many people will tell you: Nothing beats watching an eclipse in the path of totality, when the skies darken and the moon directly passes over the sun. Cleveland, Ohio is just a two-and-a-half-hour trip from Detroit and falls in that path of totality, as does much of north-central Ohio.
Cleveland, and the rest of Ohio, are planning a variety of events for the eclipse (though you’ll want to plan ahead if you plan to go to the path of totality):
- From April 6-8, the Total Eclipse Fest 2024 will host immersive, educational programming in partnership with the Great Lakes Science Center through the North Coast Harbor District.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, about 40 minutes south of Cleveland, is one of the few national parks on the totality path. The park’s isolation and beaches make for perfect viewing sites.
- The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, in Dayton, will be a primary viewing site and the city is hosting a variety of programming throughout the day.
- Twin Lakes Golf Course and Restaurant in Bellevue is hosting an all-day watch party at its 3,000-yard golf course. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance.
- The Crawford Farmstead will host a three-day watch event at its 6.5-acre property in Amherst for $80 per tent a night.
- A camera store in Avon, Pixel Connection, falls directly in the path of totality and will have specialists teaching the proper ways to photograph a solar eclipse during its happy hour event from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15.
- Gar-Nay’s Winery in Collins will host an adult-only eclipse party at its winery and is excepting around 4 minutes of total darkness during the eclipse. Limited tickets are available for $150 each, and include parking, drinks and snacks, eclipse glasses and other mementos. Camping space will be available for rent.
More: Solar eclipse will create Purkinje effect — and red, green clothes will help you see it
Michigan eclipse times, by city
Click the cities on the map to see the percentage of totality and the start time in each community.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
