The 2024 total solar eclipse is close. How long to travel to Indiana, Kentucky events from Louisville
T he April 8 total solar eclipse is just days away, and even if you're not in the path of totality, like most of Kentucky, you can still watch the rare phenomenon. You'll need solar eclipse glasses to take in the experience , and there are plenty of local areas to travel to for the event. Luckily, there's still some time to make plans for the spectacle.
April 8 Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Eclipse is a week away. How long it lasts, times and where to get glasses
For those considering a road trip to catch a glimpse of totality, it's best to leave early and plan for increased traffic. According to a news release from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet , authorities are expecting the solar eclipse to bring at least 150,000 visitors to Western Kentucky counties, with over one million expected to travel through the area to other viewing spots on the path of totality.
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While there are plenty of viewing events in Indiana and Kentucky worth traveling for, it's important to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination, fill up with gas prior and bring any necessary supplies.
Here's what to know about the distance and time it takes to get to events from Louisville.
2024 solar eclipse: Indiana viewing events
Distance and time estimates for the following event locations were mapped from the office of The Courier Journal. Expect delays.
- White River State Park: Under two hours or around 120 miles.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Around two hours or 125 miles.
- Indiana State Museum: Under two hours or 120 miles.
- Indiana State Fairgrounds: Around two hours or 125 miles.
- Silver Street Park: Around 20 minutes or 8 miles.
- Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Around two hours or 125 miles.
April 8 total solar eclipse viewing events in Kentucky
- Wickliffe Mounds: Between a three-and-a-half to four-hour drive, or 245 miles.
- Paducah: Between three and four hours, or 230 miles.
- Kentucky Science Center: Under 10 minutes or 1 mile.
- Henderson: About two to two and a half hours or 150 miles.
- Iroquois Park: Around 15 minutes of 9 miles.
When is the 2024 solar eclipse?
The solar eclipse is slated for Monday, April 8, across North America, passing over parts of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
What is a solar eclipse?
According to National Geographic , a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, creating a shadow on our planet called an umbra.
There are also different kinds of eclipses. A total eclipse occurs when the moon blocks out the entire sun and a partial eclipse occurs when the moon only blocks part of the sun.
What happens during a total solar eclipse?
According to the IU official website , a total eclipse takes place when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, placing the Earth in its shadow. The time it takes place, as well as the duration, are influenced by factors like the distances between the sun, moon and Earth, the moon’s phase and the axial tilt of the Earth and moon.
Does it get dark during a total solar eclipse?
Yes. The closer one's location is to totality, the greater the darkness and duration. During a total solar eclipse, the moon eventually lines up perfectly between the Earth and the sun, blocking out light.
2024 eclipse path changes
April 8 total solar eclipse viewing times in indiana, 2024 total solar eclipse viewing times in kentucky, how long will the eclipse last 2024.
The partial phase of the eclipse lasts close to a few hours, with totality reaching over four minutes in some places.
Eclipse safety 2024
As reported by NASA , there are plenty of ways to stay safe while watching the eclipse. These include:
- Use eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer to view the sun during partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
- During the totality period, when no part of the sun is visible through the eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer, individuals can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection.
- Once the sun reappears, place eclipse glasses back on or use the handheld solar viewer to continue watching.
- Avoid using glasses or handheld viewers with binoculars, telescopes or cameras unless they have the proper solar filters.
- If planning to watch an entire eclipse, wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to avoid skin damage.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: The 2024 total solar eclipse is close. How long to travel to Indiana, Kentucky events from Louisville
Eclipse dims the skies over Louisville and Kentucky: See photos from the rare event
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