America’s Next Great Total Eclipse Will Be Visible Above Indiana In 2024 And We’re Already Planning Our Trip
In August 2017, people across parts of the mainland United States were treated to something beautiful and rare: a total solar eclipse. Places that weren’t in the path of the complete eclipse were still treated to a partial event, and all over the country, awe and amazement rippled through people as they witnessed an incredible celestial event. Lucky for us Hoosiers, the solar eclipse in Indiana this time will be particularly epic because the path of totality passes just southeast of Indianapolis this time!
The eclipse will begin in South America and gradually move northeast, eventually reaching southwest Texas.
From there, totality will drift northeast, and the eclipse will exit the United States from Maine some time later. This will take place on April 8, 2024, so you've definitely got some time to plan an experience you'll never forget.
"Totality" is when the shadow of the moon passes completely in front of the sun, blocking it from view.
It's an incredible sight for witnesses on the ground; the sky takes on a sunset-like appearance in all directions, and the corona of the sun is visible framing the shadow of the moon.
There was another total eclipse in 2017, and people who were present for totality during that event described it as something surreal that they will never forget.
A hush spreads throughout the crowds gathered to witness the event as it takes place. It won't last terribly long - just 4 minutes and 28 seconds - but this time, totality will last over 50% longer than it did in 2017, which will be a total treat.
It's imperative to never look directly at the sun, or its corona, without appropriate protective eyewear.
Your best bet is to invest in a pair of eclipse glasses, which are specifically designed to help people view a solar eclipse safely. Average sunglasses won't work; nor will viewing it through a telescope or camera. For more information about eclipse-viewing eyewear, the Solar Eclipse Across America website is very valuable.
Folks who would rather not look at the sun at all, you'll be able to see the eclipse in shadows on the ground filtering through things like trees - the shadows will take on a crescent shape before totality occurs.
Lucky for us in the Hoosier State, totality is going to come to us this time. You will find yourself directly in the path of totality just southeast of Indianapolis, which means none of us will have to travel terribly far to witness this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
If you're planning to get to the path of totality, plan way, way ahead - because you're definitely not alone in your plans to witness it.
Choice spots in the path of totality that will be less full of crowds will even become quite crowded the day of the event. Get there early by at least a couple of days - and have your spot pre-scouted out before the big day. You can find lots of details maps at the National Eclipse website.
No matter where in the mainland U.S. you are, you'll still be able to see at least a partial solar eclipse, so even if you can't make it to any one spot in the path of totality, you're still in luck.
You'll have to wait quite a while for the next chance to see totality in the United States, and even then, it will only be visible in northeast Montana and a small portion of North Dakota. That will occur on August 23, 2044 - maybe we'll see you there!
So, how about you? Are you planning to see the solar eclipse in Indiana in 2024? Did you see the one in 2017? Tell us about it (and share your photos) in the comments!
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Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
