A solar eclipse cheat sheet for Central Ohio
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Who's ready for a rare celestial phenomenon?
State of play: Here is what you need to know to get the most out of today's solar eclipse:
⏰ Get your timing down.
- The partial eclipse starts at 1:55pm. That's when the moon begins to block a portion of the sun.
- If you're watching from the path of the totality, expect the period of darkness during daytime around 3:10pm with a duration of between 90 seconds to 4 minutes, depending on your location.
- The partial eclipse here in Columbus continues until 4:27pm.
💯 If you're able, head toward the path of totality.
- That's where you can experience the unusual nighttime-at-daytime effect.
- Consult a map to find your best last-minute option.
🏁 Things may get hectic, so don't dawdle.
- Ohio is drawing a ton of tourists. If you're driving, leave early and expect delays.
- The state recommends filling your tank and packing extra supplies.
- COTA is running more buses than usual today and created this interactive map featuring transit-accessible public viewing locations.
📺 Or stay home and watch from there.
😎 Don't forget your eclipse glasses. Except during the brief total eclipse, you shouldn't look directly at the sun.
- Sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe.
The intrigue: Ohio Department of Natural Resources is using LightSound technology at 29 state parks and other locations to help those who are blind or have low vision experience the eclipse.
- ODNR is also looking for residents' help observing how animals react to the rare event.
📬 We want to hear about your eclipse-viewing experience!
- Reply to this newsletter or email us at [email protected] to share your favorite observations.
The bottom line: This won't happen again in Ohio until 2099.
- So make your few minutes count and take it all in.