Are you ready for the 2024 total solar eclipse?
By Jody Heaston
The Department of Natural Resources is gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime event – the 2024 total solar eclipse!
Information, viewing times, maps, event lists and more can be found at on.IN.gov/eclipse.
The zone of totality, the path the moon’s shadow creates when it blocks the sun, will cross through a number of DNR properties.
The eclipse will first be visible in Indiana near Mount Vernon in Posey County, in the southwest portion of the state, and through the afternoon it will progress northeast across the state through Linton, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Muncie, New Castle, Connersville and Bluffton.
Along the center line of the zone of totality, darkness will last for up to four minutes. It will be dark enough to see stars! As you move farther away from the center, the time and amount of darkness will be reduced.
Ouabache State Park will experience two minutes and 33 seconds.
An eclipse occurs when the moon’s orbit crosses in front of the sun, blocking all or part of the sun’s rays from reaching the Earth’s surface. For a total eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun, allowing the corona (the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere) to be visible. This is the eclipse many people in Indiana will be viewing.
Eclipse Day Tips
View it safely. Make sure you have eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Find companies evaluated by the American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force who sell solar viewing products. DNR has eclipse glasses for sale at state parks and other state-park-managed properties and online at ShopINStateParks.com. DNR purchased these glasses from American Paper Optics, which is on the AAS list.
View from home. We love having you visit DNR properties, but, if you live in the zone of totality, consider viewing from your backyard to avoid all the traffic.
Stay overnight. Our inns are full, but campsites are still available at several locations. Reserve your weekend (minimum Sunday–Monday night stay) at camp.IN.gov. Standard camping rates are in effect. If guests are joining you in the campground to watch the eclipse, suggest that they arrive very early or stay overnight with you the night before so they can get into the property.
Make a day of it with us, but remember these things:
Arrive early and stay put. Entrance gates (where they exist) open at 7 a.m. When parking areas are full, gates will close to cars and pedestrians. If you leave before the eclipse, you may not be able to get back in.
Bring your annual entrance pass. Properties with entrance gates will have gate fees. Cash or credit cards will be accepted, but showing your pass will help the lines move more quickly.
Pick up ID tags. If you want free ID wristbands for your kids, we will have them available at or near entrance gates at most properties.
Bring lawn chairs and a picnic. The eclipse actually begins between noon and 1 p.m. depending on where you are, but you’ll want to arrive EARLY. Some locations may have food but not all.
Fill your gas tank before you come. Indiana will have people from all over the world visiting on April 8, and gridlock may ensue as you head home.
Pack your car and your patience. Include extra snacks, water and first aid supplies/medicines for your stay and for the trip home in case you find yourself in a traffic jam. Bring a backpack of car games, videos or other entertainment for the kids to enjoy during travel. Monitor traffic on Indiana roads at INDOT TrafficWise or 511IN.org.
Be safe on the water. If you plan to view the eclipse from your boat or a kayak, make sure you have PFDs for everyone and follow boating regulations, including those regarding the use of alcohol.
Watch for uniforms and yellow shirts. DNR staff and volunteers will be staffing gates, directing traffic and answering questions. Please follow their guidance while you are visiting.
Cellular service may be slow or not available. With the number of people coming to watch the eclipse, cell service may be questionable. When possible, text rather than call.
Keep your pets close if you bring them. Dogs and cats don’t generally stare directly at the sun, but there is no real research on direct impacts from them doing so. The best option may be for pets to be left at home or inside, especially if they have difficulty in social situations. If you bring a pet, it must be on 6-foot leash at all times.
Stay in touch. Follow us on Facebook, on X at @INDNRNews and @INTotalEclipse for updates before and on the day of the eclipse.
Carry In, Carry Out. Help our staff and volunteers by picking up your trash and taking it home with you.
Learn about the eclipse. Check out our programs in advance of the eclipse – visit calendar.dnr.IN.gov and explore our website at on.IN.gov/eclipse.
Be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Day will become night for two to four minutes, depending on where you are. The next total solar eclipse that crosses a portion of Indiana is not until 2099.
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