A Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible Above Michigan This Spring
By Jack Springgate|Published February 19, 2024
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
The last time a total solar eclipse crossed the United States was in 2017. Thinking about it now feels like opening a time capsule. It was a national event and I remember exactly where I was when I unfolded my protective glasses to watch the moment of totality.
There hasn’t been a major solar event like that in the U.S. until now. April 8, 2024, will be the first total solar eclipse to cross country in nearly eight years. Here’s everything you need to know about what you’ll be able to see if you’re living in Michigan.
Folks in Michigan unfortunately won’t be able to see the moment of totality. That’s the exact moment the moon is fully covering the sun, when only the corona is visible.
The Mitten is about as close as you can be to seeing totality, however. Both states it borders on the lower peninsula, Indiana and Ohio, will be able to witness totality.
This is expected to be a big year for solar events. The sun’s cycle is reaching what’s called the ‘solar maximum’, its most active point during the 11-year sun cycle.
This causes much more intense solar activity. Not only will the sun’s corona appear as big as it can get this year, but there are also expected to be more intense Aurora Borealis events in 2024.
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Eclipse watchers in Michigan will want to be outside starting at 3:00 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2024 to get the best view of the moon’s path across the sun.
The path of totality will pass between Indianapolis and Cleveland between 3:06-3:15 p.m. EDT. Michiganders will witness the closest thing they’ll see to totality between this time frame.
Looking directly at the sun can cause permanent damage to your eyes so never look directly at it without proper lenses. The wild part is that those in the path of totality will be able to remove their glasses for the brief moment the sun completely hides behind the moon to view the corona. That’s actually really cool.
Michigan will be so close to the path of totality, that the sky will get noticeably dark when the eclipse reaches its peak in the Midwest. If you’re not planning on watching the eclipse, it’s still important to keep its date in mind.
It will be pretty spooky when you’re driving to run some errands and then it suddenly becomes twilight. Do yourself a favor and make this a reminder for April 8.
Even though it’s only been seven years since the last total solar eclipse crossed the U.S., this will be the last one for quite some time.
It will be another two decades until the lower 48 experiences another total solar eclipse. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana will witness a total solar eclipse in 2044, with several more states having the opportunity to see it the following year, 2045.
I don’t want to think about how long I’ll have to wait for the next total solar eclipse, so I’m making sure I don’t miss this one. Make sure to get your hands on some solar eclipse glasses before April 8th so you can see the moment in its full glory.
When I say Michiganders just barely miss the path of totality, I’m not exaggerating. Toledo isn’t just on the border of Michigan and Ohio, it’s also on the border of who will be able to see a total solar eclipse in 2024. The closest destinations in the U.S. Michiganders can travel to witness totality will be between Indianapolis, Toledo, and Cleveland. Stay overnight at one of our favorite rentals and don’t miss the moment.
However, some can travel internationally through Detroit to witness totality in Canada, west of Windsor. Plan for a road trip accordingly with our Ultimate Road Tripping Packing List.
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