April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse
Monday, April 8, 2024
A total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 states, with Evansville, Indiana directly in its path. The eclipse will reach the USI campus at approximately 2:02 p.m. CST, with totality lasting 3 minutes and 5 seconds.
Save the Date
The University of Southern Indiana has begun planning campus and community activities around the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Across America.
"For the second time in seven years, our campus will be at the center of one of the most unique and awe-inspiring events we'll ever experience," said Dr. Kent Scheller, USI Professor of Physics. "We want to be sure we are prepared so our students, current and future, and our community can benefit from this rare occurrence for years to come."
Evansville is within the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse — for around 3 minutes beginning at 2:02 p.m., the moon will completely cover the sun and the region will experience total darkness.
During the last solar eclipse in 2017, when Evansville experienced 99.04% totality, more than 700 students from elementary and middle schools across the region viewed the event from campus and participated in lessons and activities led by the USI Geology and Physics Department. Additionally, students, faculty and community members viewed the eclipse from The Quad, through solar-filtered telescopes and glasses made available for safe viewing.
"We’re planning even more events for the 2024 total eclipse," said Scheller. "You’re going to want to save the date!"
More information about campus and community activities sponsored by USI around the eclipse will be available as they are finalized.
Eclipse Related Events
Watch for more events to be added soon. Events are free and open to the public.
Resources
American Astronomical Society - What to expect on April 8, 2024
The 2017 total solar eclipse was the first to touch the "Lower 48" since 1979 and the first to span the U.S. from coast to coast since 1918. Remarkably, another total solar eclipse is coming to North America on April 8, 2024, just seven years after the last one. This time the Moon's dark central shadow, about 115 miles wide, will cross Mexico, sweep northeast from Texas to Maine, and then darken the Canadian maritimes. A partial solar eclipse will be visible to nearly everyone in North America fortunate to have cloud-free skies. Learn more on the science behind solar eclipses.
NASA - Eye Safety During a Solar Eclipse
When watching an eclipse, you must wear eclipse glasses at all times to protect your vision. It is never safe to look directly at the sun's rays – even if the sun is partly obscured. Find out more about eye safety from NASA's Eclipse website.
American Astronomical Society - Alternative Viewing Methods and Viewers
An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially eclipsed Sun is indirectly. AAS offers ways to safely view the eclipse without special viewing glasses.
American Astronomical Society - Reputable Vendors for Eclipse Glasses and Solar Filters
A list of reputable manufacturers of solar filters and viewers. These companies products have been certified safe by authorities recognized by the AAS and whose certification has been confirmed to be genuine.
*It's a good idea to plan ahead and order a supply of eclipse glasses well in advance of the event. As we observed in 2017, demand exceeded supply as the date drew near.