Eclipse
A total solar eclipse will occur in parts of Indiana on Monday, April 8, 2024. In a swath about 115 miles wide, the shadow of the Moon will block out all the light from the Sun's face, as shown in the picture above. Outside the path of totality, a partial solar eclipse will be seen, where part of the Sun will be obscured. Unfortunately, Tippecanoe County is not in the path of totality, but a major partial eclipse will be seen. Below is a diagram that simulates what the partial eclipse will look like at its maximum from the Lafayette area:
At the maximum point of the partial eclipse, over 99% of the Sun's surface is obscured by the Moon. The sliver of sunlight light on the right side is still too bright for the Sun's outer corona (the light wisps spreading outward from the Sun in the top photo) to be seen. That can only be viewed inside the path of totality.
Specifics of the eclipse as seen from Lafayette:
* 1:50 p.m. - Eclipse start (Moon starts moving in front of the Sun)
* 3:07 p.m. - Eclipse maximum (Moon covers 99.3% of Sun's surface)
* 4:22 p.m. - Eclipse ends
For a map of the path of totality through Indiana, click here. Note that the red line on the map is the centerline, where totality lasts the longest and is darkest. You want to be near the centerline for the best view of the eclipse. The blue lines on either side of the red line mark the boundaries of where totality is visible. For a close-up map of the Lafayette area, click here. Eastern Clinton County (e.g., Kirklin, IN) will be the closest place to see a reasonable amount of totality, but being nearer the centerline is better.
For safe viewing of all partial phases of the eclipse, WVAS will be distributing CE and ISO approved solar eclipse glasses at our public events prior to the eclipse for $2 per pair (cash or check only).
Additional references: