Total Solar Eclipse: What to know and its Indiana impact
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The Crossroads of America is primed to be one of the best places in the country to watch the “Great American Eclipse” this afternoon. And the state has been preparing for years to both be prepared and capitalize on this once-in-a-generation celestial event.
Indiana is expected to see at least a 10% increase in its population, amounting to between 600,000 to 1 million visitors. Cloudy skies and storms may also push more eclipse seekers to migrate to the Hoosier state.
Major traffic congestion is expected, and Indiana State Police has warned visitors to “come early, stay late.” Other potential headaches include communication outages, gasoline shortages and delayed emergency response.
The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of light cloud cover, around 40% to 50%, in Indianapolis. Clouds are predicted to be Cirrus, meaning they are high clouds that typically appear wispy, thin and delicate. The temperature will likely be in the mid-60 to 70 degrees by the afternoon.
Don’t have eclipse glasses? Here’s some tips to watch safely, or watch NASA’s eclipse live stream, starting at 1 p.m.
For up-to-the-minute updates, check out the Indianapolis Business Journal’s live blog.
Eyes to the skies
Totality in Indianapolis will commence at 3:06 and last about 3 minutes and 50 seconds. Other communities totality include:
- Vincennes: 4 minutes and 7 seconds from 3:02 to 3:06
- Terre Haute: 2 minutes and 58 seconds from 3:04 to 3:07
- Green Castle: 3 minutes and 22 seconds from 3:05 to 3:08
- Bloomington: 4 minutes and 5 seconds from 3:04 to 3:08
- Columbus: 3 minutes and 47 seconds from 3:05 to 3:09
- Tipton: 2 minutes and 35 seconds from 3:07 to 3:09
- Winchester: 4 minutes and 0 seconds from 3:07 to 3:11
Events are taking place around the state before, during and after the event.
A few minutes result in years of impact
In the months leading up to Monday, Inside INdiana Business and the IBJ have reported on how this celestial event will drive business and tourism, serving as a major opportunity for the state to advertise itself.
Whether you’re passing time sitting passenger in eclipse traffic or curious how your communities prepared, Inside INdiana Business gathered those stories here:
600K people will visit Indiana during the eclipse. Here’s how rural communities are preparing
Rural and small communities across southern Indiana have spent months to years planning for the eclipse, which is expected to bring the largest amount of people ever to some parts of the region. Being in the path of totality presents a truly unique opportunity for counties to entice visitors to come back later while also serving as a significant preparation challenge for areas already low on resources, infrastructure and manpower.
Solar Eclipse: William Shatner at IU & City of Franklin Preparations
All eyes to the skies for the April 8 solar eclipse. We hear from the actor known as “Captain Kirk” on what it means to Indiana, and we visit the city of Franklin to see how it is gearing up for the celestial event of the century.
Businesses prepare for eclipse-related complications, disruptions
Some local workplaces’ plans include everything from shifting delivery and staffing schedules to paring back operations to working remotely—or even taking the day off.
Businesses seek to capitalize on eclipse fans
In addition to large eclipse gatherings planned at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Newfields, Conner Prairie, Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium and other large venues, private companies, retailers and restaurants are planning their own smaller-scale offerings. Those range from viewing parties and special activities to eclipse-themed lodging, food and drink.
Vincennes prepping for big impact from solar eclipse
Communities across Indiana are gearing up as up to one million stargazers come to the state to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse. A major swath of Indiana lies in the direct path of eclipse’s totality, and hotels, restaurants and retailers are…
How southern Indiana communities are preparing for the 2024 solar eclipse
Several communities in southern Indiana are getting ready to cash in on tourism dollars expected to be generated by the solar eclipse on April 8, when a large swath of Indiana will be in the path of totality and up to a million people could visit the state.
Eclipse Preparations at Indiana Hospitals
Preparing for the solar eclipse has been a challenge for Indiana first responders and hospitals. Find out why it’s a lot like preparing for a hurricane in this week’s Business of Health.
2024 eclipse expected to drive a million visitors to Indiana
Indiana’s tourism industry is already are laser-focused on April 8, 2024 full solar eclipse. On that day a sizable swath of the state will be in the path of totality for a solar eclipse whose path will arc across the U.S. from Texas to Maine.
Solar eclipse might change some voting registration deadlines in Indiana
Monday, April 8 is the day of the highly anticipated North American total solar eclipse. It’s also the deadline to register to vote in Indiana’s upcoming Primary Election.
Holcomb signs eclipse emergency response order
Officials anticipate “widespread and significant impact” on Indiana’s “critical infrastructure systems,” including for communication, emergency response and transportation, according to the order.
Full eclipse in 2024 is expected to drive a million visitors to Indiana cities and towns
Indiana’s tourism industry, plus public safety officials and others, already are laser-focused on April 8, 2024. On that day a sizable swath of the state, including Indianapolis, will be in the path of totality for a solar eclipse whose path will arc across the U.S. from Texas to Maine.