COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the eclipse moves across the country on April 8, different areas in Ohio will see different start times for totality, when the sun will become fully blocked by the moon.
Here's everything you need to know about timing for the eclipse in Ohio:
Ohio will begin to see the partial eclipse just before 2 p.m. and it will end around 4:30 p.m. The total solar eclipse will begin around 3:10 p.m. for several communities and end around 3:14 p.m. with a maximum viewing time in Ohio just under four minutes.
Depending on where you are in Ohio, the start and end times will vary slightly.
Cleveland is one of the best places in Ohio to view the eclipse as it lies close to the center line in the path of totality and will spend nearly four minutes in darkness. Totality will begin there around 3:13 p.m. and end around 3:17 p.m.
In Toledo, totality begins at 3:11 p.m. and ends at 3:13 p.m. Dayton will see totality from 3:09 p.m. to 3:12 p.m.
While Columbus does not sit in the direct path of totality, it will still see the sun blocked about 99% of the way by the moon. The partial eclipse will start in Columbus at 1:55 p.m. and end at 4:26 p.m. The maximum eclipse can be viewed at 3:12 p.m.
Central Ohio spots that will spend the longest time in totality:
Bucyrus
Totality will last 3 minutes 46 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:15 p.m.
Centerburg
Totality will last 1 minute 24 seconds
Start time: 3:12 p.m.
End time: 3:14 p.m.
Delaware
Totality will last 2 minutes 35 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:14 p.m.
Dublin
Totality will last 1 minute 23 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:13 p.m.
Hilliard
Totality will last 43 seconds
Start time: 3:12 p.m.
End time: 3:12 p.m.
Lewis Center
Totality will last 1 minute 49 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:13 p.m.
London
Totality will last 38 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:12 p.m.
Mansfield
Totality will last 3 minutes 16 seconds
Start time: 3:12 p.m.
End time: 3:15 p.m.
Marion
Totality will last 3 minutes 34 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:14 p.m.
Marysville
Totality will last 2 minutes 56 seconds
Start time: 3:10 p.m.
End time: 3:13 p.m.
Mount Gilead
Totality will last 3 minutes 6 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:14 p.m.
Plain City
Totality will last 2 minutes 4 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:13 p.m.
Powell
Totality will last 1 minute 45 seconds
Start time: 3:11 p.m.
End time: 3:13 p.m.
Upper Sandusky
Totality will last 3 minutes 50 seconds
Start time: 3:10 p.m.
End time: 3:14 p.m.
Worthington
Totality will last 30 seconds
Start time: 3:12 p.m.
End time: 3:13 p.m.
Didn't see your city on the list? You can view the approximate time the partial eclipse and total eclipse begins and ends here.
What to know ahead of the total solar eclipse
Protect your eyes. Special eclipse glasses are important in keeping your eyes safe during the solar eclipse. The only time it is safe to look directly at the eclipse with the naked eye is during totality - if you're located within the path of totality. Before and after, certified eclipse glasses should be worn to avoid eye damage. Here's where you can find glasses in central Ohio.
Classes are canceled for some Ohio schools. Some of the schools that have announced their decision are South-Western City Schools (no school), Dublin City Schools (no school), Columbus City Schools (no school), Reynoldsburg City Schools (no school) and Bexley Schools (early release). Click here to view our full list.
Communities are hosting eclipse watch parties. Most of the events will begin a few hours before the total solar eclipse begins in central Ohio, with activities and entertainment available for those attending. Some of the viewing events are free, but others require a paid ticket or reservation. Here's a list of events nearby.
The Ohio EMA stresses the importance of preparing ahead of the eclipse. The EMA urges those traveling to see the eclipse to make a preparedness kit for their vehicle and include items like snacks, drinks, cash, cell phone chargers and blankets. Motorists should top off their fuel tanks or fully charge their electric vehicles before heading out.
