5 Best Places To View The Solar Eclipse In Indiana This Year

It seems like everyone's definitely aware of the epic total solar eclipse set to take place for parts of North America (among other places) in 2024, but did you know there's a lesser-known-about annular solar eclipse happening in 2023? Yep - and Indiana will get to witness part of it! Unfortunately for us, the path of said annular eclipse is down in the Four Corners region, but that doesn't mean we Hoosiers don't get in on the action, too. Do you have plans to watch the solar eclipse in Indiana in October 2023? You just might after this!

On October 14th, 2023, most of the United States will be treated to a solar eclipse in at least SOME kind of way.

While everyone's hyper-focused on the total eclipse coming in 2024, they're overlooking this one - it might not be a total eclipse, but it's still going to be pretty amazing. Indiana will see the eclipse at about 40-50% (compared to the Four Corners area in the Southwest, which will see 90% of the sun blocked out. ) This is what's known as an annular eclipse.

That being said, anywhere with open skies is a great place to see it in Indiana. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:

1. Eagle Creek Park

This gorgeous Indiana state park is home to wide open, vast skies with little to get in the way, making it excellent for... well... sungazing. Never look directly at the sun, though... even during an eclipse. More on this in a moment!

2. Indiana Dunes National Park

Honestly, anywhere around Lake Michigan is a good, solid bet. The skies are open and expansive, and like the other items on this list, there's little in terms of obstruction.

3. Buckley Homestead County Park

Another open-sky area for your consideration, the Buckley Homestead County Park is known for its awesome stargazing opportunities. Part of what makes it so excellent for this is its wide-open horizon (and its location in a dark-sky area). This horizon definitely comes into play on a day like this one!

4. Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park

Just look at that clear sky. I'm not sure which is better, the openness of it all or the stunning color contract. Either way, it's going to look pretty amazing in the shadow of the moon.

5. Beverly Shores... and Lake Michigan in General

Okay, maybe this one is cheating, but there are too many awesome open-skied beaches here not to mention it. Beverly Shores is beautiful, and it's famous for being one of Indiana's most beautiful dark-sky areas. In this case, it'll make a great vantage point for watching the eclipse.

So, what are your thoughts? Are you planning on watching the solar eclipse in Indiana in October? Remember, anywhere with a nice, open sky is your best bet. Southern Indiana will have closer to 50% coverage as opposed to northern Indiana, which will have about 40%. For more information about how this annular eclipse will directly affect Hoosiers, check out this helpful data on Time & Date.