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 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the entire existence of the United States.

The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099.

In Ohio outside, areas outside the path of totality will experience a partial eclipse. In Shelby County however, totality enters the southwest corner of the county at 3:09 p.m. and exits the northeast corner of the county at 3:14 p.m. Excellent viewing locations will be numerous in the Sidney area as well as in the county villages of Fort Loramie, Botkins, Anna, Russia, and Jackson Center, each very close to the centerline on the path of totality.