The total solar eclipse is only 6 days away! For the majority of Ohioans, Monday’s eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Totality in the US begins at 1:27pm CDT in Texas and ends in Maine at 3:35pm EDT. The path of totality spans 124-miles wide and begins in Toledo at 3:12pm. Ohioans in 100% totality will experience darkness for approximately 2 minutes with a partial eclipse before and after. The eclipse will last longer for those located along the centerline of the path.
what is a solar eclipse?
This phenomenon occurs when the moon eclipses the sun. While orbiting the Earth, the moon passes in between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that blocks sunlight in some areas. On average, there is a total solar eclipse every 18 months— however, our planet is mostly water, so being in a location with visibility is quite rare. It is estimated that total eclipses recur at any given location every 375 years, on average. After Monday, the next total solar eclipse will occur in the US in 2044.
will our area experience another total eclipse after 2024?
Yes! But most of us won’t be here to see it, which is why you don’t want to miss out on Monday. Astonishingly, Ohio will find itself in the crossroads of another total solar eclipse on September 14, 2099. While this cosmic coincidence is incredibly rare, it has happened in a relatively short period in other areas (remember, the average time for recurrence in a specific location is between 360-410 years). In 2017, Carbondale, Illinois was in the centerline of totality. Just a mere 7 years later, the city of Carbondale will once again be in the path of totality on Monday. Talk about the stars aligning! And while most of our readers won’t be around in 2099, some of the area’s youngest viewers may get to witness this spectacular sight twice within the same location.
eye protection
You should never look directly at the sun without proper protection. Doing so for even a few seconds can cause solar retinopathy, a reduction of vision that can be drastic and permanent. Many schools and libraries are giving out solar eclipse glasses, so check community resources if you still need a pair. More info on eclipse glasses and other options here.
be prepared for crowds
An executive order was signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in preparation for Monday.
“The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the state. The influx of visitors prompted state agencies to work together to ensure everyone is prepared and safe before, during, and after the event,” the release states.
Traffic is expected to be particularly congested on I-475 on the southwest side of Toledo. Within the entire viewing area, residents should plan accordingly for a higher volume of traffic and fill up on gas prior to Monday. Live traffic updates can be found at OHGO.com.
Officials are also warning that the influx of visitors could disrupt cell service, so make sure to have a paper map handy when traveling in unfamiliar areas. It’s also a good idea to have snacks and water in your car in case of delayed commutes.
You can learn more about this awe-inspiring event here. Wishing everyone a safe and special solar eclipse!