Solar eclipse: Everything you need to know about the Ohio eclipse path, forecast, viewing tips

The solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will be one of the celestial highlights of the century, and Ohio will have a front row seat.

A large portion of the state will be plunged into darkness in the middle of the day as the moon passes between the earth and sun. Ohio's eclipse path just got a bit narrower, but the event still promises to be essential viewing.

The last total solar eclipse in Ohio happened in 1806, and the next one won't happen until 2099. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Ohioans.

We've got you covered with everything you need to know as you finalize your eclipse-viewing plans:

• The best eclipse viewing spots in Ohio

• Advanced weather forecast

• Where to get your glasses, how to tell if they're safe and how to build an eclipse viewer at home

• Safe viewing dos and don'ts

• What schools will be closed or dismissing students early

Where the eclipse will be in Ohio and the nation

• 2024 total solar eclipse: where to see it in Ohio and when it will happen

• 2024's total solar eclipse will pass through over a dozen states. Here's where to see it

• 2024 solar eclipse map: See the path of totality

What is the weather forecast on April 8, the day of the eclipse?

Clear skies make for the best eclipse-viewing weather. Will the forecast in Ohio comply?

• Solar eclipse: What past Erie weather can help us to expect on April 8, 2024

• The proverbial ol' farmers have spoken: Weather may rain on eclipse hype in northern Ohio

Eclipse glasses -- everything you need to know

Having the proper eyewear is essential for safely viewing the eclipse. Otherwise, you risk suffering immediate and permanent eye damage. Here's what to know about eclipse-viewing options, including how to construct your own eclipse-viewing contraption at home.

Where to find eclipse glasses

• You need special glasses to see the solar eclipse. Here's where to get them in Cincinnati

• You need a special pair of glasses to watch the solar eclipse: How to get them in Columbus

• Looking for last-minute solar eclipse glasses? These libraries and vendors can help

How to tell if your glasses are safe

• These companies make eclipse glasses certified as safe. Here’s where you can find them

• 'That's permanent damage': special glasses needed to watch solar eclipse

How to make an eclipse-viewing device at home

• Stop worrying about finding eclipse glasses and rustle up office supplies

• Can't find eclipse glasses? Here's how to make an eclipse box

• No solar eclipse glasses? Try a cracker or slotted spoon

Safe viewing dos and don't

• Here's what to know about viewing and capturing the solar eclipse with your cellphone camera

• How to safely view the solar eclipse in Mansfield

• Optometrist: 'Serious risks' to watching eclipse — even with glasses

Some schools will be closed on the day of the solar eclipse

Some school districts in Ohio will keep students' safety (and given them a great opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event) by keeping kids home the day of the eclipse.

• Some Ohio school districts will close for the solar eclipse in April

• Solar eclipse 2024: What central Ohio schools are canceling classes

• Summit County urges residents to stay home on the day of the eclipse

• Here's your list of Stark County schools that are closed for the April 8 eclipse

• Marion County schools are off for the total solar eclipse on April 8

• Students get eclipse day off in Crawford County; some schools have in-service for teachers

• 2024 solar eclipse: Cincinnati, NKY schools closing. Check yours here

Ohio is preparing for an onslaught of crowds, traffic

Ohioans need to be prepared for eclipse tourists, extra traffic and perhaps supply shortages as the state becomes an eclipse hotspot.

• 'We're all going to be overwhelmed': Emergency planners bracing for April's solar eclipse

• Summit County urges residents to stay home on the day of the eclipse

• 'Be ready for about anything': Traffic jams weekend of eclipse will fluctuate with weather

• Ohio will see traffic jams during the April solar eclipse. Here's how to prepare for them

• Traffic is one of the top concerns for county agencies preparing for total solar eclipse

• Total solar eclipse will draw thousands to Ohio. What does that mean for the economy?

• Eclipse information on visitor's bureau website, lodging, camping, events and times

• Ohioans urged to stock up on supplies, be ready for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse

Solar eclipse: What did the 2023 solar eclipse look like? Photos show a 'ring of fire' in the sky.

What to expect as the solar eclipse descends on Ohio

April 8 will be a day hundred of years in the making for Ohio as the last total solar eclipse in the state happened in 1806. What have past eclipses been like? And what can Ohioans expect this time around?

• The dark and the light: A history of solar eclipses in Northeast Ohio

• What does a total solar eclipse look like? Photos from past events show what to expect in 2024

• While Erie waits for the 2024 total solar eclipse, a look back at 1994's ring of fire

Unique events happening in Ohio during the solar eclipse

The sky will grow dark, animals will go quiet and some couples will tie the knot during the April 8 solar eclipse in Ohio.

• April 2024 total solar eclipse will confuse animals and cause silence

• Total eclipse of the heart: Lucky couple can get married on eclipse day April 8 in Akron

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Solar eclipse 2024: Everything you need to know to watch it in Ohio