Eclipse Project: Solar Eclipse 2024: Indiana University Bloomington

In the path of totality

On April 8, 2024, at approximately 3:04 p.m., a total solar eclipse will travel from Mexico through the U.S. to the maritime provinces of Canada. Indiana University Bloomington is ideally situated for optimal viewing in the very center of the path of totality. While the eclipse itself will last approximately four minutes and two seconds, surrounding festivities at IU and throughout Bloomington will be far more expansive, including live performances, art, poetry, specialty menus, K-12 learning guides, trivia competitions, and special guests.

More information to come.

Photo courtesy of www.NationalEclipse.com

What is an eclipse?

According to NASA, an eclipse takes place when a planet or moon passes between another planet, moon or the sun (NASA.gov). On April 8, 2024, the United States will be able to witness the significant phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. This happens when the moon lines up with the earth and blocks the sun's radiant light, which casts a shadow on planet Earth.

The sun is a very large star--about 433,000 miles in radius-- and the moon is about 1080 miles in radius. That's why the path, or the shadow, of the eclipse is smaller and larger in some parts. As the Earth spins, only certain sections of the US and world can see the eclipse at its total shadow, or its partial shadow.

Different parts of the US (and world) will be seeing different versions of the solar eclipse. Throughout Indiana, several cities will have the chance to witness a partial solar eclipse. Bloomington and IUB will be almost directly at the center to totality, allowing for the viewing of a total solar eclipse.