Ivy Tech Community College campuses across the state, including Bloomington, will operate virtually Monday, April 8, as the 2024 total solar eclipse passes through much of Indiana. All classes and administrative services will be virtual and all Ivy Tech buildings and parking lots will be closed to the public, reopening Tuesday, April 9.
Monroe County is in the path of totality and is expecting an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 visitors from Friday, April 5 through Monday, April 8. Plan for long traffic delays leading up to and after the eclipse.
What is the significance of the total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and earth. This upcoming phenomena will block all of the sun’s light for a few minutes. When the eclipse takes place, the sky will become dark, like dawn.
Monroe County lies within the path of totality. Within the path of totality, viewers will see the sun's corona (outer atmosphere), which usually can't be seen due to the brightness of the sun.
Weather conditions can play a role in the viewing of the eclipse. However, daytime darkness that comes with the eclipse may still be noticeable on a cloudy day.
During this time of total darkness, temperatures may drop 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun and the moon may appear to be about the same size.
The next total solar eclipse won’t happen in the contiguous U.S. until the year 2044. The next time it will pass through Indiana is 2099.
What time will the eclipse happen?
In Bloomington, Ind. totality will begin at 3:04 p.m. ET and last just over 4 minutes.
The eclipse will begin at approximately 1:45 p.m. ET on April 8, 2024 and end at about 4:30 p.m. ET. During this time, the sun will be partially obscured by the moon, and you should use special eclipse sunglasses to view the eclipse without risking permanent eye damage.
Regardless of where you are in Indiana, by 3:15 p.m. ET, totality will be finished everywhere in the state.
Want to know more about this event in Monroe County?
This information and more, including viewing safety tips and other local emergency management and preparation information can be found on the Monroe County, Indiana 2024 Solar Eclipse website.
Want to know more about the event in Indiana?
This information and more can be found on the Indiana 2024 Total Solar Eclipse website.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
