What time is the eclipse in Michigan? Where to go and what you’ll see
- Monday’s total solar eclipse will be the first visible from Michigan in seven decades
- While most of the state should see a partial eclipse, with maximum coverage from about 3:10 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Luna Pier is in the line of totality
- There’s a chance of clouds, however, which may impact the visibility of the eclipse
We’re just days away from Monday’s total solar eclipse, the first one visible from Michigan since 1954.
The eclipse will stretch along a path from Texas to Maine, traveling through 14 states, including a tiny sliver of Michigan.
The best places to see the eclipse, weather permitting
Luna Pier in Monroe County is the only city in the state that could experience 100% darkness, as it falls on the edge of the line of totality. But even if you’re somewhere in Michigan that’s not in the line of totality, weather permitting, you should still see a partial eclipse.
For some eclipse chasers, though, a road trip may be in order. Totality will last for just 19 seconds in Luna Pier. Cities further south that are closer to the center of the path of totality are expected to experience darkness for longer.
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In Toledo, for instance, maximum totality, which begins at 3:12 p.m., will last for 90 seconds. Cleveland could experience total darkness for nearly four minutes.
Across the U.S. border, some cities in Ontario, Canada, also lie in the path of totality, including Niagara Falls and parts of Hamilton.
What time does the eclipse start?
In Michigan, a partial eclipse will start around 2 p.m. The exact time depends on the city. You can search here. The eclipse will reach maximum coverage generally between 3:10 and 3:15 p.m.
The eclipse will begin in Luna Pier at 1:57 p.m. and reach totality at 3:13. The event will end at 4:26 p.m.
What will I see and experience?
As the eclipse reaches maximum totality, a partial eclipse will be visible, appearing as if the sun is being “eaten” by the moon.
If you are watching the eclipse outside, during total darkness the temperature is expected to drop as much as 10 degrees. Some stars and planets may even be visible.
Experts also say that the animals may react as if it is nighttime.
“The birds will start chattering, they'll think it's nighttime,” said Philip Sadler, F.W. Wright senior astronomer lecturer at Harvard University. “Animals that come out at night might come out in the middle of the day.”
What happens if it’s cloudy?
It would be tough to see the eclipse on a cloudy or rainy day. Although a cloudy sky wouldn’t allow for the eclipse to be visible, it will still become noticeably darker as it reaches maximum totality.
Statewide there is a moderate chance of cloud cover during the eclipse and possible showers, according to Accuweather. However, there is cloud cover in most of the path, especially in Texas, where there will be severe cloud coverage.
The forecast for Luna Pier on Monday shows that there will be intervals of clouds and sunshine and a slight chance of rain, according to Weather.com.
Precautions
People in Michigan who are traveling for the eclipse should plan to leave early as major highways, especially heading south, are expected to be crowded. Eclipse chasers are advised to pick a spot and stay there. Trying to watch the eclipse while driving is very dangerous.
Eclipse watchers should also wear ISO 12312-2 safety standard eclipse glasses during the event. Looking directly at the sun during the eclipse could be very damaging to the eyes and could result in blindness.
The glasses should only be taken off during total darkness when the eclipse reaches maximum totality. Even if it is cloudy, you should still wear your eclipse glasses while looking at the sky.
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