What to know about today's solar eclipse in Central Ohio

Who's ready for a rare celestial phenomenon?

State of play: Here is what you need to know to get the most out of today's solar eclipse:

⏰ Get your timing down.

• The partial eclipse starts at 1:55pm. That's when the moon begins to block a portion of the sun.
• If you're watching from the path of the totality, expect the period of darkness during daytime around 3:10pm with a duration of between 90 seconds to 4 minutes, depending on your location.
• The partial eclipse here in Columbus continues until 4:27pm.

💯 If you're able, head toward the path of totality.

• That's where you can experience the unusual nighttime-at-daytime effect.
• Consult a map to find your best last-minute option.

🏁 Things may get hectic, so don't dawdle.

• Ohio is drawing a ton of tourists. If you're driving , leave early and expect delays.
• The state recommends filling your tank and packing extra supplies.
• COTA is running more buses than usual today and created this interactive map featuring transit-accessible public viewing locations.

📺 Or stay home and watch from there .

😎 Don't forget your eclipse glasses. Except during the brief total eclipse, you shouldn't look directly at the sun.

• Sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe .

The intrigue: Ohio Department of Natural Resources is using LightSound technology at 29 state parks and other locations to help those who are blind or have low vision experience the eclipse.

• ODNR is also looking for residents' help observing how animals react to the rare event.

📬 We want to hear about your eclipse-viewing experience!

• Reply to this newsletter or email us at columbus@axios.com to share your favorite observations.

The bottom line: This won't happen again in Ohio until 2099.

• So make your few minutes count and take it all in.