TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
April 8, 2024
Just after 3 PM ET on April 8, 2024, Indianapolis will experience darkness for 3 minutes, 44 seconds as the moon completely covers the sun while passing between the Earth and sun. It will be the first time in 819 years that a total solar eclipse will be visible in Indianapolis and the only total solar eclipse to occur until August 2044.
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, presented by Purdue University
To celebrate this once-in-a-generation event, IMS will host an exciting day of programming and festivities that will feature Purdue experts, alumni, students and more. Because of its ideal viewing location within the path of totality, IMS is one of three primary partner locations where NASA will stage a live broadcast of its eclipse coverage.
Can’t join in-person today? Tune in LIVE on YouTube at 11:30 AM EDT to watch a special panel with five members of Purdue’s Cradle of Astronauts.
Purdue University is proud to be the exclusive higher education partner for the Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Event at the world-renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Total Solar Eclipse Campus Watch Party in West Lafayette
Can’t make it to Indianapolis for the total solar eclipse event? No problem.
Purdue University invites you to join us on Stadium Mall at our West Lafayette campus for a solar eclipse watch party. We’ll have 1,000 free pairs of eclipse glasses available to help attendees safely view the spectacular show. Join us in sharing this unique experience.
When: Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:45 PM ET
Where: Stadium Mall, Engineering Fountain
Hosted by:
Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, College of Science
Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science
John Martinson Honors College
Purdue for Life Foundation
Purdue University College of Science
Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies
Total Solar Eclipse: How We Think Panel Discussion
The way a human mind works, one trained to view an image or an occurrence in a specific way, is fascinating. What does a poet, an astronautical engineer, a planetary scientist or an astrophysicist think about when they see a solar eclipse? The faculty assembled for this panel will each talk for 10 minutes about their perspectives on an image of a total solar eclipse, then take questions. Join us to gain unusual insights on a total eclipse of the sun.
This event is organized by the graduate students in Leading Women Toward Space Careers, a John Martinson Honors College program.
Free of charge and open to the public. RSVP HERE
When: Wednesday, April 3, 5:15 – 6:15 PM ET
Where: HCRN, Honors Hall (1101 First Street, West Lafayette)
Panelists: Ali Bramson, Kathleen Howell, Donald Platt, Abigail Polin
Total Solar Eclipse: Watch and Learn
The College of Education and the Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST) invite you to learn about and watch the solar eclipse. Visit our tent for exhibits explaining the science behind the solar eclipse and participate in contests with prizes! We will have pairs of eclipse glasses while supplies last for safe viewing.
When: Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Loeb Fountain, Beering Hall
A Legacy in Space
Few universities can match Purdue’s impact on space exploration. Learn about the Boilermaker explorers and researchers who helped the university earn its nickname, the Cradle of Astronauts.
Insight From Purdue Experts
Purdue faculty weigh in on the 2024 total solar eclipse from multiple angles, including why to wear special eclipse glasses, tourism opportunities the eclipse will create and traffic congestion motorists should expect.
What happens during a total solar eclipse?
How many people will watch the 2024 total solar eclipse?
What is it like to experience a total solar eclipse?
What tourism opportunities exist for towns in the path of totality?
What causes a total solar eclipse — and why should you experience it?
How rare is a total solar eclipse in Indiana?
How much traffic congestion should motorists expect around the eclipse?
What were the space highlights from 2023 — and what’s ahead in 2024?
What space missions should we look forward to in 2024?
