The Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau (MCVCB) announces that through fiscal sponsor Piqua Area Chamber Foundation, the organization has received a generous grant from the Paul G. Duke Foundation for the upcoming total solar eclipse. These funds will support eye safety for residents and visitors during the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Miami County.

On Monday, April 8, Miami County residents and visitors will experience a solar eclipse between 1:53 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. EST, with maximum totality happening around 3:11 p.m. and lasting about 3 minutes and 45 seconds. This is a rare and once-in-a-lifetime event that won’t happen again in Ohio until 2099.  

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. The grant from the Duke Foundation will make it possible to supply many more residents and visitors with the eye protection they need to safely view the eclipse in Miami County.

“The residents of Miami County is fortunate to be positioned nearly centered in the path of totality,” said Rayce T. Robinson, president of the Duke Foundation. “We couldn’t miss this opportunity to help enable safe access for the many Miami County residents and visitors from afar who look to experience this unique event.”

Anyone who is still looking for eclipse glasses may pick some up at the MCVCB office located at 405 SW Public Square, Suite 272, in downtown Troy. Many of the events happening throughout the area from April 5-8 will also have some glasses available while supplies last.

Information about events, viewing areas, and other things to do is available at miamicountysolareclipse.com.

Check back frequently because details will be added as they become available.