A total solar eclipse is a rare astronomical event that occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the sun’s entire disk and casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. For a brief time the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in perfect alignment, and the moon completely covers the Sun.
Here’s what to expect:
- Total Darkness: When the Moon completely covers the Sun, it plunges the area within the Moon’s shadow, known as the umbra, into darkness. This darkness is much darker than twilight and allows observers on Earth to see stars and planets in the daytime sky.
- Totality: The moment when the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon is called “totality.” During totality, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona, becomes visible as a faint, pearly-white halo surrounding the black disk of the Moon.
- Path of Totality: Total solar eclipses are only visible along a relatively narrow path on the Earth’s surface, which is where the Moon’s shadow touches the planet. This path varies with each eclipse and can be several thousand miles long but is typically only about 100 miles wide.
- Partial Solar Eclipse: Outside the path of totality, observers may experience a partial solar eclipse. In a partial eclipse, only a portion of the Sun is covered by the Moon, and the sky does not become as dark as during totality.
- Safety Precautions: It is essential to view a solar eclipse safely to protect your eyes. Staring directly at the Sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause severe eye damage or blindness. Specialized solar viewing glasses or equipment, like solar filters for telescopes and cameras, are required to safely observe an eclipse.
Total solar eclipses are considered one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena, attracting eclipse chasers and enthusiasts from around the world to witness this extraordinary event. They occur relatively infrequently in any given location, typically every few decades, making them a special and highly anticipated occurrence for those lucky enough to be in the path of totality.
Solar Eclipse 2024 – Get up-to-date local notifications; text morgancoineclipse2024 to 69310
Our friends at the Morgan County Emergency Management Agency have created a Solar Eclipse Notification Group. This allows them to send text messages relating to the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse (before, during, and after) to your cell phone. This way you can stay up to date with solar eclipse events and traffic before and after, as well as any other important information they may need to share.
Please note that messages will only be sent if pertinent and necessary and these notifications will stop being sent on April 9, 2024, once the solar eclipse event is over.
To learn more about the eclipse and its anticipated impact on our community, click the button below to check out the presentation by Professor Barrett Caldwell at our May Chamber Luncheon:
Why is the April 2024 total solar eclipse a big deal for Martinsville & Morgan County?
How will this event affect your business? What changes in your routine should you consider for that day? At our August meeting, we heard from Abby Worth, Morgan County EMA about what will be done locally in the coming months to prepare for all the extra people who will be in our community for the long weekend.
THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN MARTINSVILLE, INDIANA
| 1:49:41pm MONDAY, Apr 8th | Partial eclipse begins – the moment the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun is called first contact. | |||
| 3:05:16 pm Mon, Apr 8 | Totality begins – the moment the edge of the Moon covers all of the Sun is called second contact. | |||
| 3:07:17 pm Mon, Apr 8 | Maximum eclipse – The deepest point of the eclipse, with the Sun at its most hidden. | |||
| 3:09:17 pm Mon, Apr 8 | Totality ends – the moment the edge of the Moon exposes the Sun is called third contact. | |||
| 4:22:45 pm Mon, Apr 8 | Partial eclipse ends – the moment the edge of the Moon leaves the edge of the Sun is called fourth contact. |
* Timings for the beginning & end of partial eclipse, the beginning & end of totality, and maximum eclipse are accurate to within a few seconds. Timings for other events are approximate—they are included here as a rough guide to features that might be observable. The icons show the position of the Moon against the Sun at each stage,
SPECIAL EVENTS IN MARTINSVILLE: APRIL 5TH – 8TH, 2024
April 7th & 8th
Cedar Creek Solar Eclipse Viewing Festival
For other special events in Morgan County: VisitMorganCountyIn.com
PLANNED VIEWING AREAS IN MARTINSVILLE
Morgan County Fairgrounds – located just off I-69, the Morgan County Fairgrounds will be have three different types of camping spaces available from April 6th – 9th. Get all the details and make your reservation by clicking the button below.
Check back for other available spaces as details are confirmed…
OTHER RESOURCES
Thinking of leasing camping spaces on your property? Here’s a great place to advertise: https://nationaleclipse.com/advertising-lodging-submission.php