04/06/2024
Good morning! 😎 I did a bunch of research about local Viewing Locations for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse. Always good to verify details, so I included links for you to get more information for you, your friends, your family, and your visitors. If I have something wrong, I apologize, I’m an excited citizen hoping to help. There are many Muncie events throughout the extended April 4-8 weekend - this post is about where to watch the sky with other people on Monday, April 8th.
The Total Solar Eclipse will occur during the day on Monday, April 8, 2024 and will only be visible by some of the world, including Muncie, Indiana (weather permitting, with proper eye protection). Muncie lies in the Path of Totality. The Total Solar Eclipse will begin on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 1:52 p.m., when the Moon starts to block out the southwest side of the Sun (at the 5 o’clock mark), a Partial Solar Eclipse. The Moon will continue to block out more of the Sun until Totality, the Total Eclipse of the Sun, when the Sun is fully blocked by the Moon. Totality in Muncie begins at 3:07:34 p.m. You can safely view this portion of the Eclipse, and this short portion alone, without any eye protection because the entire face of the Sun will be completely blocked by the Moon. Here in Muncie, Totality will last 3 minutes and 48 seconds, with it ending at 3:11:22 p.m. The Partial Solar Eclipse will continue until the entire event ends at 4:24 p.m.
There are several places planned in Muncie as Eclipse Viewing Locations. I believe there is a free MITS bus loop between locations. Each one offers something different from the others:
• Canan Commons - Quiet observance, Downtown, FREE.
”Make plans beforehand to have lunch, dinner, or drinks at one of our many DWNTWN restaurants and bars. You can shop with our retailers and get your Eclipse keepsakes too. Bring your yoga mat or blanket, viewing glasses, and crystals or stones to recharge during the Eclipse. There will be live soothing music, bring an instrument, even if it is only your voice. Immerse yourself in the melodies that will elevate your Eclipse experience.”
Facebook Event Page:
https://facebook.com/events/s/muncie-eclipse/299757203121349/
• Minnetrista Museum & Gardens - Educational, family programming, FREE.
“Celebrate the science of Solar Eclipses with demonstrations and activities facilitated by Minnetrista and Muncie Children’s Museum meant to educate. Local author and illustrator Laurie Lunsford will read her book, ‘The Solar Eclipse Is Coming’, and the Muncie Astronomy Club will provide expertise. Visitors can attend a performance of A Golden Curve of Light, an Eclipse-themed one-act play written by award-winning playwright Jennifer Blackmer. After the activities, visitors can claim their spots and prepare to experience the Eclipse Totality event at our viewing party.”
Facebook Event Page:
https://facebook.com/events/s/magic-at-minnetrista-the-total/239814579203106/
• Delaware County Fairgrounds - Visitors and locals, lots of parking (donations accepted), food/beer/arts vendors, music, FREE.
“Join the Muncie community at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in the heart of Muncie, Indiana for the Total Eclipse of the Heartland. Gather together with friends old and new for this unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience - a Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. Come enjoy the Magic City Market and our General Store in Heartland Hall, with live music, performers, official Eclipse merchandise, Eclipse souvenirs and viewing glasses, food trucks, fair fare, outdoor picnic area, bathroom facilities, a large camping community, and much more.”
Reservations are required for Camping:
https://www.campspot.com/book/delaware-indiana-fairgrounds
Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/6N3P24nHN1iBKRYy/?mibextid=9l3rBW
• Ball State University - Student focused, unprogrammed, FREE.
“Suggested viewing areas for Ball State students, faculty, and staff included the Quad, University Green, the Brown Family Amphitheatre, LaFollette Field, and Southwest Field. No glasses will be distributed the day of the Eclipse from the Planetarium. “
More Information:
https://www.bsu.edu/web/planetarium/2024-solar-eclipse/how-to-watch-solar-eclipse
• Academy of Model Aeronautics - Educational, rural, family fun, $25 per car viewing, $50-100/night camping.
“Enjoy the Solar Eclipse on 1,000 acres with unobstructed views. Before the Eclipse enjoy free model aviation airshows, free model aviation simulators, and tour the world's largest model aviation museum (fee). Bathroom facilities, food trucks, official Eclipse merchandise, first aid, and other amenities. This is the perfect spot for umbraphiles who don’t want to be cramped, or need space for kids to play.”
Reservations are required for Viewing Spots:
https://eclipsemuncie.com/viewing-sites/
Reservations are required for Camping:
https://www.campspot.com/book/internationalaeromodelingcenter
Facebook Post:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=807921284707825&id=100064698820593
• Prairie Creek Reservoir - Outdoor family fun and camping, $100 per viewing spot.
“Watch the magic of the Eclipse reflected in the waters of the beautiful Prairie Creek Reservoir. Before the event, enjoy zip lining, bouncy houses, food trucks, live music, bathroom facilities, family activities, official Eclipse merchandise, first aid, and other amenities to make your experience unforgettable. Viewing spots are 20x20 and will easily hold a vehicle and a 10x10 tent.”
Reservations are required for Viewing Spots:
https://eclipsemuncie.com/viewing-sites/
Reservations are required for Camping:
https://bookingsus.newbook.cloud/prairiecreek/index.php)
Facebook Event Page:
https://facebook.com/events/s/muncie-eclipse-watch-party-at-/939912977806275/
Our celestial celebrations are proudly presented by Destination: Muncie, visit EclipseMuncie.com!
