By JONATHAN SNYDER
Eclipse fever is setting in Indiana, and Wells County will be a prime spot to participate in the unique event.
The April 8 path of totality covers almost all of Wells County. The only exception is a small area in the northwest corner, where the totality path cuts Zanesville in half. Complete totality in Bluffton will start around 3:08 p.m. and will last about two and a half minutes.
Laura Ainslie of the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society emphasized there is a major difference between 99% totality and full totality. Full totality allows visibility of the sun’s corona, the glowing outermost part of the sun, in addition to casting its path in darkness.
“The sky doesn’t get super dark,” added Ainslie. “It gets twilight dark, like deep twilight dark under a total eclipse.”
Weather also plays a key factor in eclipse-watching. If cloudy, a partial eclipse could be relatively unnoticeable. However, Bluffton should still experience effects in the line totality.
“In partial eclipses, you won’t see any of that partial eclipse stuff,” Ainslie said. “But then when totality hits, wham! It becomes dark as midnight, suddenly.”
Because of this, Ainslie cautioned drivers to preemptively turn on their headlights.
Cell towers and other internet services may also be slower due to increased web traffic and potential tourism. The Visit Wells County website notes that for businesses in the area, card readers may be slow and delivery times may increase; people are also asked to plan for increased traffic.
“Get as much information as you can in advance,” Ainslie said. “In my experience, especially eclipse websites might get jammed up and you can’t get that information.”
According to Visit Wells County, Ouabache State Park, 4-H Park, Archbold Wilson Park, both branches of the Wells County Public Library, Markle Fish and Game Park and Markle Health and Rehab will allow the public to view the eclipse from their sites.
Ouabache campground reservations have been booked for about two months, according to office manager Joni Cincotta. People will still be able to walk around the park, but campsites will not be available. The 4-H Park still has sites available — camping involving electric power costs $40, and primitive camping options cost $20.
The Wells County Public Library will host a five-minute overview of what eclipses are and safety precautions. Fort Wayne Astronomical Society’s Larry Clifford will also bring a telescope with a solar filter to the library. Community relations manager Emily Marshall stated about 150 people are signed up for the Bluffton location, but the Ossian location is almost full. The library will give out free glasses while supplies last, Marshall said.
Archbold Wilson’s campground will also have music and food available at their site. Made By Mamaw Embroidery will also have items available for purchase to celebrate the occasion. Markle’s Fish and Game Park will offer free parking at their location, with food available from food trucks, concession stands, and The Pickle Bar and Grill.
Markle Health and Rehab will have a bounce house at their location, along with a limited supply of free glasses. Hot dogs, chips, ice cream and water are available at Markle Health and Rehab. Markle Town Hall will have free glasses available, according to Clerk-Treasurer Stephenie Hensley.
Ouabache will have glasses for sale, $3 each, or four for $10. Archbold Wilson Park will have free sunglasses donated by Paddlefish Solar available while supplies last.
jonathan@news-banner.com
