A total solar eclipse is a rare and spectacular event. On average, one happens somewhere on the Earth once every 1.5 years and only 21 solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 in the entire history of the United States.
The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse will not be visible in Ohio until the year 2099.
The “path of totality” during a solar eclipse is the path that the moon’s shadow falls onto the Earth’s surface. On April 8, 2024, the centerline for the path of totality will dissect Shelby County entering in the vicinity of Fort Loramie and existing near Botkins. To witness the 2024 solar eclipse in all its splendor, viewing along the path of totality is optimal. Outside of the path of totality, one will only see a partial eclipse.
Totality enters the southwest corner of Shelby County at approximately 3:09 p.m. and exits the northeast corner of Shelby County around 3:14 p.m. Excellent viewing locations will be numerous in this area including the City of Sidney, Villages of Fort Loramie, Russia, Botkins, Anna, & Jackson Center, each very close to the centerline on the path of totality.