It’s almost here!

 The path of totality is where observers will see the Moon completely cover the Sun. 

Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.  

 When the bright photosphere of the Sun is completely covered, only the faint light from the corona is visible, and this radiation is too weak to have any harmful effects on the human retina. There is a misunderstanding that during a total solar eclipse, when the Moon has fully blocked the light from the Sun, there are still harmful rays that can injure your eyes. This is false.

During other types of solar eclipses, viewers must wear solar viewing or eclipse glasses or use an alternative viewing method the entire time, as at least part of the Sun is always visible. During a total solar eclipse, viewers should take those protective measures before and after the Sun’s visible disk is completely blocked. However, once it’s completely blocked – called totality – viewers can look directly at the eclipse without any special eye protection.

 Yes, but you need to have the specialized eclipse filter between your camera and the Sun. See the American Astronomical Society website for more detailed instructions. 

Purchase Solar Snap Kit for your phone.

Avon Lake exclusive branded glasses are for  sale at City Hall located at 150 Avon Belden Rd. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.   

The Anchor Recreation Facility: 33483 Lake Road
Saturday, April 6th 9:00 am - 12:00pm
Sunday, April 7th 8:00 am - 2:00pm

Avon Lake Memorial Stadium Caboose (Will Call)
Monday, April 8th 8:00am - while supplies last - cash only 

Totality begins at approximately 3:13 p.m. and lasts about 3 minutes 53 seconds for viewers on the center line. The farther you are from the centerline, the shorter totality will last. After totality, the moon gradually uncovers the sun in a second partial phase. The eclipse ends for Avon Lake viewers at about 4:28 p.m.

 While it would be unfortunate to have cloudy weather during the eclipse, there are still benefits to observing it. For example, during a total solar eclipse regardless of cloud coverage it will still get dark. Other things occur like the temperature drops anywhere up to 10 degrees, nighttime wildlife may become active, birds may stop singing, and other unique phenomena may occur that people can experience even if the sun is not visible. Regardless, it will still be a memorable experience. 

Lorain County is already bracing for about half a million solar eclipse tourists in 2024 because, in Ohio, Avon Lake is the point of greatest duration for the total solar eclipse. The Avon Lake City, Schools, and Public Library are already meeting to plan events to celebrate this historic event. In addition, we are also planning the logistics involved with such a large influx of people in our small city.

  Watch Party Location: 175 Avon Belden Rd Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 

Drive from I-90 E, Nagel Rd, Walker Rd, and Avon Belden Rd to Avon Lake 

12 mins (6.4 miles) 

Take exit 155 for Nagel .3 mi 

Turn left onto Nagel Rd 1.1 mi 

Continue onto Lear Rd 1.0 mi 

Turn left onto Walker Rd 1.6 mi 

Turn right onto Avon Belden Rd. 1.1 mi 

Drive to Avon Lake High School .1 mi 

And turn right 

Drive from I-90 W, Abbe Road N and E Lake Road 

19 mins 9.2 miles 

Take exit 148 for OH-254 toward Sheffield/Avon 

Turn right onto Detroit Rd .6 mi 

Turn left onto Abbe Rd N 5.0 mi 

Turn right onto E Lake Rd 3.1 mi 

Turn right onto Avon Belden Rd .3 mi 

Drive to Avon Lake High School .1 mi 

Are you ready for Avon Lake’s total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024? Here are several tips to help you prepare well ahead of time.

Whether you’re staying home or planning on being out and about, the total solar eclipse calls for some advanced planning and preparation as there can be an extreme demand on supplies, businesses, hospitals, restaurants, gas stations and more. Local community leaders, including police, fire, and county officials are preparing for the upcoming eclipse event.

• The population of Avon Lake may double or even triple the day of the eclipse.

• Limited cell phone service and internet access due to heightened network use.

• Extreme demand on lodging, restaurants, and gas stations.

• Have a supply of necessary medications for yourself and loved ones weeks ahead of time.

• Stock up on food, bottled water, and pet food, fill up your vehicle gas tank.

• Do you need propane for your generator?

• Delay medical appointments days before and days after eclipse. Hospitals, urgent care locations and doctor’s offices could be in demand with emergencies due to the number of people in the area.

• Law enforcement, fire, EMS, health care facilities could be extremely busy.

• Avon Lake City Schools will be closed on Monday, April 8.

• Heavy to gridlocked traffic conditions before and after the eclipse are expected.

• Use cash when possible. Internet may go down due to heightened network use.

• Only use solar eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Don’t squint at the sun directly. The UV rays of the sun can burn the retinas and can cause permanent damage to your vision. To purchase Avon Lake eclipse glasses please visit www.avonlakerec.com.

• Enjoy the eclipse! Don’t try to take a photo or you will miss this monumental moment. Enjoy the photos professionals will post.

Not just an ordinary Monday in Avon Lake