Ashland's Total Solar Eclipse

i survived staring at the sun logo ashland cvb

Experience Ashland’s First Total Solar Eclipse in 218 Years on April 8, 2024!

Why wait until 2099 for the next one? Join us as we prepare to stare at the sun, witness this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle in the sky, and stand in the shadow of the moon! 

Start by learning about total solar eclipses, mastering the art of staring at the sun the safe way, and marking related events (moon-shadow moments) on your calendar today.

Check out area eclipse events »

Essentials for Experiencing the Eclipse

WATCH SAFELY

FOR ASHLAND RESIDENTS

FOR VISITORS

FOR BUSINESSES

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Provided by Eclipse2024.org »

ECLIPSE AT A GLIMPSE:
A MINUTE-BY-MINUTE GUIDE


Partial Eclipse 1.57 PM
Total Eclipse 3:12 PM
Mid Eclipse 3:14 PM
Total Eclipse Ends 3:16 PM
Partial Eclipse Ends 4:28 PM

A Celestial Showstopper:
The Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8th, 2024, the moon will align with the sun in the sky, blocking it completely, and casting a shadow on the Earth.

Residents of Ashland County will be able to observe this celestial showstopper—a total solar eclipse—for the first time since 1806.

While most Americans will witness a partial eclipse, Ashland County is within the 124-mile-wide band spanning 13 states from Texas to New Hampshire that will experience totality—the moment when the moon completely blots out the sun.

The sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, is only visible during a total solar eclipse. During totality, it radiates around the shape of the moon—be sure to look for it!

Thinking of waiting for the next one? You’ll be cooling your heels until 2099—so seize the day!

Stare at the Sun the Safe Way

NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DURING PARTIAL PHASES OF THE ECLIPSE WITHOUT THE PROPER PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR!

If you’re thinking, “My mom told me to never stare at the sun,” she was right about that. With ISO-12312-2-certified eclipse glasses, however, you can watch the eclipse as it happens. Your mom would be okay with it—we promise.

Without these glasses you may sustain retinal burns, resulting in what is known as eclipse blindness. Since your retinas lack pain sensors, you’ll only become aware of the damage done once it’s too late. In a word: Eek!

So grab those glasses and stare at the sun with us the safe way. Let’s be honest: It’s also the fashionable way to watch the sun make itself scarce on eclipse day!

About viewing safely with approved eclipse glasses»

SAFETY RESOURCES 


SAFETY CHECKLIST

  • Cell phone chargers and battery packs
  • First-aid/ medications
  • Cash (ATMs might not be available)
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • ISO 12312-2 Compliant eclipse glasses

ashland county ema

 

MEDICAL FACILITIES

  • Walk in Urgent Care 1016 Sugarbush Dr.
  • UH Urgent Care 663 E. Main St.
  • CVS Minute Clinic 418 E. Main St.
  • UH Samaritan 1025 Center St.
  • Ohio Health 1720 Ohio health Way
  • Hospitals will be operating “business as usual”

MISSED THE DEADLINE TO ORDER YOUR 2024 TOTAL ECLIPSE SURVIVAL BOX?

Don't worry, Explore Ashland will have limited quantities of boxes available! Your souvenir Survival Box includes the following:

  • Commemorative T-Shirt
  • Eclipse Glasses
  • Stadium Cup
  • Stickers
  • Locally Made Snack
  • Area Visitor Guide
  • "What you need to know while you are here" - info sheet

(No delivery, pick up only from The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce office at 211 Claremont Ave., Ashland from April 1 - 5, 2024)

Contact Us at the Chamber

Stay Safe on Eclipse Day

Events of this kind and magnitude attract surges of people and higher-than-usual volumes of traffic. They also come with significant challenges relating to public health, safety, and law enforcement. To ensure that everyone experiences this once-in-a-lifetime event safely, we recommend that residents, visitors, and businesses review the reminders and tips below.


residents icon

FOR RESIDENTS

Where to watch?
Consider watching from:

  • Your own home
  • Freer Field
  • Ashland County Fairgrounds

What to expect:

  • Possibility of up to 3x our population (53,000 in the county) of tourists
  • Schools will be closed
  • Ashland University is open as scheduled
  • High volume of cell-phone and internet connectivity
  • Long lines at stores, gas stations
  • Lack of parking
  • Local tourism events may be sold out early
  • Possibility of major traffic congestion on I-71 and US-30 causing delays, possible accidents and other road hazards

How to Prepare

  • Have a 3-day supply of food and medicine on hand
  • Fill up any gas-powered machines and generators
  • Reschedule any appointments that fall on April 8th for another day
visitors icon

FOR VISITORS

Where to watch?
Consider watching from:

  • Your own home
  • Freer Field
  • Ashland County Fairgrounds

 What to expect:

  • Businesses may be busy or closed due to the increased population
  • Large crowds in selected viewing areas
  • Long lines at stores, gas stations
  • Lack of parking
  • Local tourism events may be sold out early
  • Possibility of major traffic congestion on I-71 and US-30 causing delays, possible accidents and other road hazards

How to Prepare

  • Have a meeting place established to connect with family if separated in crowded areas
  • Consider wearing clothing that matches or stands out to the group you’re with
  • Park only where permitted (do not block driveways

 

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FOR BUSINESSES

If you are a business owner or operations manager, it’s important to understand how this event could impact your business.

 What to expect:

  • More foot traffic and increased sales
  • Traffic congestion could affect your employees, deliveries, and customer access
  • Phone and credit card lines will be stressed
  • Possible disruptions in the supply chain due to increased demand or transportation challenges, affecting inventory

How to Prepare

  • Adjust schedules for traffic
  • Consider how employees can get to and from work
  • Stock essential supplies
  • Keep in mind safety measures such as security; your business’s space capacity; limited space in parking lots
  • Prepare for any emergencies that may arise
  • Possible utility disruptions
  • Consider closing if services and products are not essential
  • Ensure your employees are informed about the importance of eye safety and provide certified solar eclipse glasses
  • Consider taking the opportunity to promote your business! Offer eclipse-themed products and events to attract customers and visitors

Ecliptic Events

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