MANSFIELD — In case you haven’t heard, a total eclipse is coming.
I’m not talking a Total Eclipse of the Heart, that moldy oldie by Bonnie Tyler in 1983.
Let’s fast forward say 41 years. On April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America. The moon will pass between the sun and Earth, completely blocking its face and darkening the skies as if it were dawn or dusk.
This phenomenon will only occur in certain places along the eclipse’s “path of totality” — and all of Richland County is in its path.
Why is this eclipse a big deal?
Solar eclipses themselves aren’t that rare — on average, 2.38 occur each year, according to Astronomy Magazine.
But if you want to experience one from the comfort of your own home, this is the time.
The last time Ohio experienced a total solar eclipse was in June 1806. According to the Ohio Emergency Management Authority, the next total solar eclipse to pass over the Buckeye State won’t be until 2099.
Solar eclipses occur when the sun and moon perfectly align to create a celestial optical illusion.
The sun is roughly 400 times the size of the moon. It’s also roughly 400 times further from Earth than the moon. So when the angles are just right, they appear almost the same size and the moon blocks the sun from view.
So will we be plunged suddenly into utter darkness?
It won’t be that dramatic. The otherworldly shadows caused by a total solar eclipse don’t come all at once.
According to the American Astronomical Society (AAS), the moon will pass over the sun gradually, hiding more and more of it until the point of totality. About 15 minutes prior to totality, when 75 percent of the sun is covered, there should be a noticeable shift in light.
This dimming may cause animals to behave as if nighttime is approaching.
In Richland County, the eclipse experience will begin at approximately 1:57 p.m. Totality is expected to begin at 3:12 p.m. Local viewers can expect 3 minutes and 12 seconds of daytime darkness.
Totality is unique because it allows us to see the sun’s outer atmosphere, known to astronomers as the corona. It’s only visible to the human eye during a total solar eclipse because the sun’s surface below is so much brighter.
For a full breakdown of what to expect from an astronomical standpoint, check out this guide from the AAS.
What if it’s cloudy?
That would be a bummer. If skies are overcast on April 8, you won’t be able to see the sun’s corona, arguably the highlight of a total solar eclipse.
But cloudy skies won’t completely eliminate the experience of a solar eclipse. According to the AAS, we can expect the skies to darken and temperatures to drop regardless of cold cover. Wildlife and domesticated animals will still exhibit changes in behavior.
Is it true that Richland County will be swamped with visitors?
It’s certainly possible. Local officials have predicted as many as 250,000 eclipse chasers may descend upon Richland County.
Rebecca Owens, director of the Richland County Emergency Management Authority, has said many visitors are expected to arrive as early as Friday, April 5, and depart as soon as the eclipse is over.
Local parks, businesses and restaurants are embracing the fun with a variety of solar eclipse-themed events.
Where can I view the eclipse?
There are plenty of watch parties and viewing events across the county if you’re willing to brave the crowds.
Richland County’s website includes a list of locations where you can get a clear view of the eclipse, including:
- Bicentennial Park, Patriot Park and the Patriot Park soccer fields in Lexington.
- Marshall Park and Stowell Park in Ontario.
- The Richland County Fairgrounds.
- Mohican KOA Campground in Butler.
- Finnigan’s Run Dog Park, Van Ross Wade Park, the Bellville Pony League Football Field and Bellville Elementary School in Bellville.
For an even more festive experience, check out Destination Mansfield’s list of local eclipse events.
If you do plan to take in the eclipse at a community event, give yourself plenty of time to get there — local officials are expecting higher-than-normal traffic.
Do I need special eyewear?
Yes. Looking directly at the sun can cause serious eye damage.
According to NASA, it’s safe to view the eclipse directly during totality only. If you plan to look up before or after that point, get yourself some specialized eye protection. Regular sun glasses won’t cut it, no matter how dark they are.
Safe solar eyewear will comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) warns that some manufacturers falsely claimed to meet that standard during the 2017 eclipse.
For a list of manufacturers vetted and approved by the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force, click here.
Viewing the sun sun and solar eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope isn’t safe either — even if you’re wearing eclipse glasses.
To use these types of equipment, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration advises purchasing a special-purpose solar filter to secure over the front of the optics.
Pointing your gear directly at the sun without a specialized filter may also damage your equipment.
Which schools and businesses are closed the day of the eclipse?
Many local schools are closed the day of the eclipse, including:
- Clear Fork
- Crestview
- Cypress
- Discovery School
- GOAL Digital Academy (work from home day)
- Lexington
- Lucas
- Madison
- Mansfield Christian School
- Mansfield City Schools
- Ontario (remote learning day)
- Pioneer Career and Technology Center
- Shelby
- St. Mary School
- St. Peters
- Plymouth-Shiloh
- Richland School of Academic Arts
All nine branches of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library will be closed on April 8.
The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging will be closed, but the community is encouraged to call in during normal business hours; calls will be answered while the building is closed unless technical disruptions occur.
Richland County government offices may be closed as well.
We’ll do our best to keep you updated, but when in doubt, call ahead if you plan to go somewhere on April 8.
How should I prepare?
The Richland County Emergency Management Agency is expecting up to a quarter of a million people to visit the area during the solar eclipse. That would be five times the population of the City of Mansfield alone.
This influx may make travel in and around the county more difficult. It may also impact cell service. These changes may begin days before the eclipse as visitors arrive the weekend prior to the event.
Due to the expected influx of visitors, residents are advised to shop early in the week for necessities like groceries, medications and gas for their vehicles. Officials recommend not scheduling appointments during this time.
Local officials are expecting high traffic the day of the eclipse and the weekend leading up to it. If you plan to leave your house, give yourself extra time to get where you’re going and consider taking alternate routes.
Richland County residents can stay informed with emergency and community alerts by signing up for the county’s free notification service here.
Alerts are available via text, email and voice message. Data and messaging rates may apply.
Consider the following tips to prepare:
- Refill your prescriptions and have a supply of necessary medications on hand as early as possible.
- Stock up a household first aid kit.
- Stock up on food, bottled water, infant formula, diapers and other necessities.
- Stock up on pet supplies, food and livestock feed.
- Fill your gas tank before visitors come to town, as gas prices may go up.
- Make sure you have propane for your generator.
- Make sure you have a flashlight and extra batteries. Have battery packs or cell phone chargers for your cell phones.
- Prepare books, games, puzzles and other activities to keep children entertained.
- Try not to schedule appointments, including medical appointments, on the day of the eclipse or days leading up to it.
- Expect hospitals, local law enforcement and emergency management services to be busier than necessary.
