There’s Only One Place To See The Total Solar Eclipse In Michigan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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