The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will be a major astronomical event in North America, with the path of totality touching 15 U.S. states. However, many eclipse events being promoted may not actually provide guests with the opportunity to witness the total eclipse. Terms like “partial totality” and “99% total eclipse” are misleading and are often used to market events that are outside the path of totality. It is important for attendees to check the exact location of the event to ensure they will have the chance to experience the full spectacle of the eclipse.
In Columbus, Ohio, the Center for Science and Industry (COSI) is hosting an Eclipse Experience event that will only offer a partial solar eclipse, despite being located in downtown Columbus, which is not in the path of totality. For those looking to experience totality, a short drive northwest to areas like Dublin or Marion will provide a much more fulfilling experience. Similarly, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Science Central is advertising its proximity to the path of totality, but will only experience a partial eclipse. Attendees can instead drive to Neil Armstrong’s hometown of Wapakoneta for a longer totality experience.
Events like the Total Eclipse Party at Edgewater Sport Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, and The Alamo and River Walk in San Antonio, Texas, are also not located in the path of totality. Attendees are encouraged to seek out alternative locations in the northwest suburbs of these cities or in the Hill Country of San Antonio for a chance to witness the total solar eclipse. Similarly, Hotel Ithaca in New York is offering a Solar Eclipse Package that only provides a 99% partial eclipse. Visitors can travel to Seneca Falls or Rochester for a better viewing experience.
For those looking to experience the eclipse from locations further afield, Seminole Canyon State Park in Texas and Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada, are both offering events that will not provide totality. Visitors can instead head to Amistad National Recreation Area in Texas or Cape Freels in Newfoundland for a more immersive eclipse experience. Additionally, Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is planning a drone and fireworks display during totality, which may disrupt the viewing experience. Attendees are advised to seek out quieter locations like Comfort or Bandera for a more peaceful totality experience.
In conclusion, while there are many eclipse events being promoted across North America, it is important for attendees to carefully check the location of the event to ensure they will have the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse. Misleading marketing terms like “partial totality” can lead to disappointment for guests expecting to see the full spectacle of the eclipse. By seeking out events in locations within the path of totality, attendees can ensure they have a memorable and immersive eclipse viewing experience on April 8, 2024.
