(4-8-24) Today is the day…this is the first total solar eclipse in Ohio since 1806, occurred on June 16, 1806, sometimes dubbed the Tecumseh’s Eclipse and the next one won’t take place until 2099.

The 1806 eclipse is sometimes called “Tecumseh’s Eclipse.” The story goes that a Shawnee chief and his brother Tenskwatawa (called “The Prophet”) were set on forming a tribal confederacy. The Governor of Indiana challenged Tenskwatawa to prove his powers by causing “the sun to stand still,” among other challenges.

The National Weather Service forecast for today….

How to Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse

  • Carefully look at your solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them. If you see any scratches or damage, do not use them.
  • Always read and follow all directions that come with the solar filter or eclipse glasses. Help children to be sure they use hand-held solar viewers and eclipse glasses correctly.
  • Before looking up at the bright sun, stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter –  do not remove it while looking at the sun.
  • The only time that you can look at the sun without a solar viewer is during totality. When the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets dark, you can remove your solar filter to watch this unique experience. As soon as the bright sun begins to reappear very slightly, immediately use your solar viewer again to watch the remaining partial phase of the eclipse.
  • Never look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other similar devices. This is important even if you are wearing eclipse glasses or holding a solar viewer at the same time. The intense solar rays coming through these devices will damage the solar filter and your eyes.
  • Talk with an expert astronomer if you want to use a special solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device.