A rare solar eclipse is set to pass over North America in just a few weeks, and people everywhere are making plans to experience this astronomical phenomenon. Whether you want to shadow-hunt in Michigan state parks, state game areas or other outdoor sites, put safety first and pack your ISO-certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers.
A total solar eclipse – when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely covering the surface of the sun – will cast a moon shadow across the United States, Canada and Mexico the afternoon of Monday, April 8. As the earth, sun and moon continue to orbit, the shadow will travel in a line across the continent from southwest to northeast. The total solar eclipse is viewable only from within the centerline – called the path of totality – and is estimated to last 3.5 to 4 minutes.
While the path of totality is predicted to touch only the southeastern-most corner of the state (particularly Monroe County), most state parks and state game/wildlife areas – more prone to open skies and minimal light pollution – offer ideal settings for even a partial eclipse.
According to NASA’s Eclipse Explorer, an interactive map that helps predict coverage, Erie State Game Area in Erie is expecting a “deep partial” eclipse at 99.98% totality, Sterling State Park in Monroe is estimated to experience 99.8% totality, and Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Clayton an estimated 99.3%. Other areas of the state are estimated at varying amounts.
“Sterling State Park is positioned as a prime viewing location for a near-total eclipse,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “While the path of totality won’t reach everyone, state parks can provide ideal outdoor opportunities to share, even partially, in this celestial event.”
Olson also said that coverage predictions in other parks vary depending on where you will be in the state and, understandably, lessen as you move farther away from the path of totality. Your chances on Belle Isle (Detroit) are closer to 99.4%; Sleepy Hollow State Park (Laingsburg), 96%; Mitchell State Park (Cadillac), 89.6%; Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Paradise), 82.1%; and Fort Wilkins Historic State Park (Copper Harbor).
No matter where you are when the eclipse occurs, remember to never look directly at the sun with your naked eye, even during a partial eclipse; always use certified eye protection. For more details and safety tips, check out NASA’s eclipse safety page.
Sterling State Park
The nearly complete solar eclipse (99.8%) is estimated at 3:13 p.m. in Sterling State Park. Mark the moment with a viewing party in the beach parking lot from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last) will be handed out compliments of the Monroe County Convention & Tourism Bureau, Monroe County Museum and the DNR. Food trailers, interpretive programs and a touch-the-truck display will also be part of the fun.
For more information, contact park manager Jason Morgan at 734-777-6396.
Lake Hudson Recreation Area
Lake Hudson Recreation Area, near the Ohio border, is hosting a viewing party for a spectacular near-total solar eclipse (99.3 %) at approximately 3:12 p.m. Visit Lenawee will provide free solar eclipse glasses (while supplied last) to all visitors in the beach parking lot.
For more information, contact park supervisor Shane Morse at 517-467-7401.
Erie State Game Area
Estimated to be among Michigan’s best eclipse-viewing locations, Erie State Game Area (with 99.98% coverage) will partner with the Monroe County Convention and Tourism Bureau to host a viewing event from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Dusseau Tract at the corner of Dean and Bay Creek roads. Parking is available in a few small parking areas and along the grass shoulder of Bay Creek Road. MCCTB staff will have a limited amount of eclipse viewing glasses available.
Sterling State Park
