We’ve been hearing about it for months and now it’s finally here. On Monday, a total solar eclipse will cross North American skies and will be visible in the US from Texas to Maine. During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow down on Earth.
Path of totality
A path 124 miles wide will experience a total solar eclipse – this is called the path of totality. If a location is in the path of totality, the solar eclipse will plunge the area into 100% darkness, turning day into night, even for just a minute or two.
Much of Ohio is in the path of totality, including right here in Dayton. In our area, the total eclipse will begin at 3:08pm and will last for 2 minutes and 42 seconds.
A big deal
If it seems like this is a big deal, that’s because it is.
This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for many of us. The next total solar eclipse won’t happen until 2099. The last solar eclipse that passed over Ohio happened in 1806.
Many school districts in our area (Centerville, Dayton, Kettering, Fairborn and Beavercreek) are all closed on Monday. Ashley’s Pastries won’t be open on Monday, either (we aren’t open Mondays normally) but we are gearing up for this epic event.
We’ve got plenty of sweets for this awesome solar show. We’re stocking our cases with all kinds of tasty treats – eclipse themed cookies, cupcakes and donuts. Ashley’s Pastries loves to help you celebrate life deliciously and we’re here to help you enjoy this rare astronomical event. Place your order today or stop by this Saturday to pick up your sweet treats. Whether you’re headed to a viewing party or catching a glimpse from your backyard, you’ll want to make sure to have some deliciousness for the occasion.
Viewing parties
The event is coming up quickly, but there’s still time to make plans. There are a lot of locations in the area offering different viewing parties and activities.
The Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Aviation Trail Parachute Museum will host a watch party starting at 1:00pm. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has several different watch party locations, too, including one at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field.
Check out the Dayton Aviation l Heritage National Historical Park website for lots of great info on the solar eclipse.
Just remember your special safety glasses – you don’t want to stare at the skies without them!