On Monday April 8, beginning at 3:06 p.m., Indianapolis and all of Central Indiana will be in the path of totality for a total eclipse. Some folks might remember the last solar eclipse in August 2017, which dimmed our skies, but not completely. We were just north of the path of totality, but we definitely got a little thrill when the skies dimmed at mid-day.
This upcoming eclipse will be different, as in TOTALLY different. The skies will dim and it will become dark for a few minutes, like night-time dark. If we’re lucky, there will be no cloud cover and we can watch the moon slowly slide over the sun as long as we’re wearing protective glasses. If we’re not so lucky, we can watch the skies darken gradually behind the clouds, which is still pretty amazing.
The moon will be closer to earth for the April 8 eclipse than it was in August 2017, so there will be a wider path of totality and a longer one over the U.S. Just south of us, Franklin down to Bloomington will have over four minutes of darkness. Indianapolis will see over 3 minutes of darkness. It is estimated that 3.9 million Hoosiers will be in the path of the totality, or about 60%.
Since Indianapolis is one of the largest cities in the path of totality, thousands of visitors are expected to grace our fair city. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host NASA observers who will broadcast from the most famous oval on earth, and all are welcome to join them for $20 (tickets available online). Downtown, White River State Park Celebration Plaza will host Lunacy! Solar Eclipse Festival from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. that includes a food truck competition, free solar eclipse glasses, music, and more for free. The City of Lawrence currently has a Total Eclipse Art Show at the Arts for Lawrence headquarters, 8970 Otis Ave., and will have a Total Eclipse Pickleball Tournament April 7, and on the big day will have a Music Festival at Lawrence Park, 5301 N. Franklin Rd.. The Indiana State Fairgrounds will have an event and everyone is invited for fun activities and free eclipse glasses on April 8. Select Indy Parks, including Brookside, Christian, World Sports Park, Southeastway, and Washington parks, will hold viewing parties. Free parking but must register online at https://bitly/49QLYsg
In addition, many companies will open space on patios and rooftops for celebrations of the eclipse. Others are opening up their parking lots for a fee to view the eclipse.
Indianapolis Public Schools and Lawrence Township schools have announced their schools will be closed for the day. Beech Grove, Cathedral, Greenfield-Central, Scecina, Warren Township, Perry Township, and Washington Township schools have announced an e-learning day for students. Indianapolis Public Library branches will be closed for the day.
Public safety officials are encouraging everyone to make plans for the eclipse, making sure that you can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime event without getting tied up in traffic. They are discouraging people from stopping on the highway or along roadside to view the eclipse, and if you are in a moving vehicle during the period of the eclipse, keep your eyes on the road and not the skies (this should be obvious, but apparently needs to be said).
For the best viewing, find a site with no buildings or trees around to block the spectacle. Get approved solar eclipse viewing glasses — your sunglasses will NOT be enough protection from the rays of the sun. They are available at many stores in the area.
If you are viewing from somewhere besides your home or work, make a plan on how you will leave after the eclipse has passed. INDOT and local agencies expect roads to be packed with visitors in and out of the area, so bring your patience, plenty of fuel, and plug in your GPS if you need to find alternative routes home.
The next solar eclipse that will be visible in Indiana will be on August 23, 2044 that will be viewable in southern Indiana.
