On April 8th, some of the US will treated to a solar event that we won't see again until 2044, so you don't want to miss this event. Michigan will be lucky enough to witness a near-total eclipse, but only a very small area of the state will be able to witness a total solar eclipse. Here's what you need to know.

 

NASA
NASA
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Different Types of Solar Eclipses

While a small portion of the state will be able to witness a total solar eclipse, most of the state will witness what is known as an annular eclipse, which is where most of the moon is covering the sun but not completely. A total eclipse is when the sun is fully blocked by the moon. A total solar eclipse only lasts for a few minutes and causes the day to appear to turn to night, which is very rare.

 

Getty Images / Canva
Getty Images / Canva
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Where To Go To Watch The Eclipse

The path of totality starts in Texas and goes across the country to Maine, and up through Canada. The only place the total solar eclipse will be visible in Michigan is in the southeast corner of the state, close to Toledo, Ohio. However, according to NASA's Eclipse Explorer, the totality will last under two minutes in this part of the state, so if you want to see the totality longer, it's best to head further south.

 

If you don't want to travel as far, Detroit will have a great view of the eclipse as well, with 99.2% coverage at 3:14 pm,  but will not experience the appearance of a total eclipse. So, below are the next best places to travel outside Michigan to witness the total solar eclipse. Note: expect fairly high traffic wherever you go.

 

NASA
NASA
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Toledo, OH (2.5 hours from Grand Rapids, MI)

Time of totality: 3:13 pm. It will have less than 2 minutes of totality, but it is the closest city in the line of totality.

NASA
NASA
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Bluffton, OH (3.5 hours from Grand Rapids, MI)

Time of Totality: 3:09 PM for about 2.5 minutes.

NASA
NASA
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Indianapolis, IN (4.5 hours from Grand Rapids, MI)

NASA
NASA
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Cleveland, OH (4.5 hours from Grand Rapids, MI)

NASA
NASA
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Viewing the eclipse without proper protection can be permanently damaging to your eyes. Click here to view NASA's safety viewing guide.

 

DIY: Eclipse Viewing Without Those Special Glasses

Just click on the pic to open the YouTube video.

Gallery Credit: Jim Weaver

18 Tips Police Have for Maine Drivers During Total Solar Eclipse

Various state police departments and departments of transportation officials across the country are issuing warnings to drivers who will be out on the road during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. These warnings will affect Maine, as our Pine Tree State is also in the path of totality.

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge

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