2024 Solar Eclipse
Welcome to the information hub for the April 8th 2024 Solar Eclipse in Washington County, IN.
Mark your calendars for April 8th, 2024, as Washington County, Indiana, is expected to experience a total solar eclipse, an astronomical event that will be of great interest and importance. Though the moon will not entirely block the sun, the spectacle will be remarkable, with 98% of the county covered and expected to last for 2-3 minutes at around 3 pm.
As the day progresses, the moon's gradual coverage of the sun will result in the gradual darkening of the day. The temperature might slightly drop, and animals may become disoriented by the changing lighting. However, the ultimate attraction will be when totality is reached, and the sun's corona - its wispy outer atmosphere - becomes visible. During this time, stars may also twinkle in the daytime sky.
With due preparation, this astronomical event can be an indelible and memorable experience. However, safety is paramount, and special eclipse glasses are mandatory to view the eclipse safely. It is ill-advised to view the eclipse with the naked eye. Washington County provides a perfect location to witness this awe-inspiring solar eclipse.
Here you will be able to find useful information about the event, places to view the rare phenomenon, locations to stay, retail & restaurant specials, food truck locations, and much more. This web page will be edited constantly up to the date of the event. The Washington County leaders want you to enjoy your time in our beautiful communities. Most importantly, we want you to be safe!
What to do in Washington County, Indiana during the 2024 Solar Eclipse!
Click the following buttons to find events, places to eat, places to stay, and places to park in Washington County, Indiana during the 2024 Solar Eclipse.
Events for the 2024 Solar Eclipse:
Looking for food, parking, or lodging:
2024 Solar Eclipse Educational Videos for Children:
Click the videos and hand over your phone for a little bit of information to share with your kiddos!
Do you need Solar Eclipse Glasses?
The Washington County Tourism Commission has purchased several pairs for your last-minute needs! Stop in at City hall to pick up a pair as well as a County & City map supplied by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce! Hurry over because supplies are limited!
201 East Market Street, Salem, IN 47250
Here is what we know:
- According to NASSA, the 2024 Solar Eclipse is expected to occur over Washington County, IN on Monday, April 8th 2024 around 3 pm for about 3 to 4 minutes with our totality being 98%.
- This Eclipse will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.
- It is estimated by a Regional Disaster Manager, via an Emergency Response Management System, that Salem, Indiana could see 10k to 15k visitors to see this rare phenomenon in a city with a population of 6,267 creating a possible disaster in our area.
- In 2017, communities saw millions of dollars in economic impact from the Solar Eclipse spending. Christian County, Kentucky saw $28.5 million in their county.
- Interstate Highways had traffic jams stretching 10 miles long with roads being bottlenecked with sightseers leaving the areas. This caused traffic to stop at a standstill for four hours and created emergency response issues.
- After the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044.
- We can’t normally see the corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, because the Sun’s surface below it is so much brighter. But during a total solar eclipse, the corona becomes visible, offering unique opportunities to study it.
- When a solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife sometimes wakes up, thinking that it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it’s time to head to bed.
The Celestial Dance: Understanding Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses are a fascinating natural phenomenon that capture the attention of many. However, the process that leads to a solar eclipse can be complex and difficult to comprehend. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the celestial dance that occurs during a solar eclipse.
The Alignments: The Earth, the moon, and the sun are in a constant state of motion as they orbit each other. The occurrence of a solar eclipse requires these three celestial bodies to be precisely aligned, with the moon positioned directly between the sun and the Earth, casting its shadow on the planet.
The Misunderstood Shadow: The phrase "consenting path" for the moon's shadow can be misleading. Shadows are the absence of light, and the moon's shadow is simply the result of the moon blocking the sun's light. Just like a ball in front of a flashlight, the shadow it casts depends on the position of the light source and the ball.
The Role of the Axis: The Earth rotates on its axis, an imaginary line that goes through the North and South Poles. The moon also has an axis, which is tilted at a different angle compared to Earth's. These differences mean that eclipses do not occur every time the moon orbits the Earth. The moon's shadow usually falls above or below the Earth, resulting in no eclipse.
The Moon's Retreat: Over time, the moon is slowly drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) per year. Although this may seem insignificant, it could have a subtle effect on future eclipses. As the moon moves away from the Earth, it will appear smaller in the sky, potentially resulting in fewer total solar eclipses in the distant future.
So, when you witness the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Washington County, Indiana, remember it's a result of a precise celestial dance, with the moon's shadow simply playing its part in the grand cosmic show.