By Paula Pyzik Scott

The day of the total solar eclipse is here and as of 6:00 a.m. in Bluffton you wouldn’t know it. On Sunday, April 7, downtown Bluffton seemed much like any other Sunday, except for a few more shops being open.

According to an April 7 report from Hometown Stations, the Allen County EMA expects the greatest traffic congestion to be centered on areas with hotels. 

The National Weather Service Forecast Office for Cleveland expects sky cover at the 3:00 p.m. hour to be 31% in the Icon readership area. 

TIME FRAME
In the 45810 and 45817 area codes, the Duration of Totality–when the moon will totally cover the sun–will be 3 minutes and 47 seconds, from approximately 3:10-3:14 p.m. The sky will begin to darken at 1:55 p.m. and return to normal at 4:26 p.m.

EYE SAFETY
The longest-lasting potential impact of the eclipse is eye damage. Looking directly at the sun can result in serious and permanent eye injury.

The retina does not have pain receptors, so damage can be done without immediate symptoms.

Special eclipse glasses are being offered by many local businesses and organizations. Look for ISO-approved solar-eclipse glasses that include labels with the name of the manufacturer, instructions for safe use and warnings of the dangers of improper use. 

Even your camera needs a solar filter on the lens. Photographing the eclipse can damage camera sensors, including cell phone cameras.

Another way to experience the drama of the eclipse is with pinhole projection. With the sun behind you, you can look at the light passing through a small hole in an index card or even a kitchen colander onto a smooth surface. The sun’s changing shape will be projected in little crescents and then little rings.

TRAFFIC JAMS AND UNINVITED GUESTS
Law enforcement agencies are encouraging residents to be prepared for traffic jams and for shortages of gasoline. 

Check with the local media for updates. Cell phone providers are optimistic about service levels, but phone service could be impacted by the higher volume of users.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has an interactive traffic forecast map HERE.

Have property that would be tempting to impromptu guests? Post "No Trespassing" signs if visitors are not welcome.

Bluffton and Ada Schools will be closed. Bluffton University and Ohio Northern University have canceled classes; their campuses will also be closed to the public. 

NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL
Make sure locations are open and regularly scheduled events are occurring as usual before getting on the road. 

• Expressway backups of several hours can take place in connection with eclipse traffic. 
• Come early and don’t be in a hurry to leave is standard advice.
• Cell phone service could also be maxed out with the increase in visitors to the area. 
• Paper maps could be a useful resource for people coming to the area.

911 FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY
As safety services have reminded us, calling 911 is for emergencies only. 

INVITATIONS

Bluffton locations:
1861 Wine Lounge Eclipse Party, from noon to 6:00 p.m., 115 N. Main.

Ada area locations:

War Memorial Park will have public restrooms open. The football stadium and playground will be open and food trucks are being scheduled.

Liberty Oaks venue, 0395 St, OH-235, is hosting a parking lot viewing event with Slow Smokin' BBQ and Circle U Waffle food trucks. Boondocking is $100 by reservation only. $10 parking, $5 solar eclipse glasses. Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket.

Harrod Event Center will have live music, food trucks and bounce houses near the soccer field. Parking $5/car.

RESOURCES

American Astronomical Society
https://eclipse.aas.org/eclipse-america-2024 

NASA Eclipse Explorer
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-whe...

Basic preparation tips
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/25-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-the-...

Allen County promotions
https://www.seetheeclipse.org/

Hardin County promotions
https://www.hccba.com/eclipse

Public Safety
https://acso-oh.us/2024-eclipse/ 

Preparedness
https://ema.ohio.gov/media-publications/ohio-total-solar-eclipse 

Weather
https://www.weather.gov/cle/SolarEclipse2024