It’s going to get dark around here in April of 2024. Henry County, Indiana, is in the path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse. And while it may sound like the opening scene of a zombie movie, it’s actually a great opportunity to welcome people to our community.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the moon will eclipse the sun completely. The duration of the eclipse will be around four minutes, which is double the length of the 2017 eclipse. The partial eclipse will begin around 1:50 p.m. with the total eclipse expected at 3:06 p.m.
According to The Great American Eclipse, “A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.”
Anyone watching the eclipse is encouraged to have specialized eye protection. The next time an eclipse of this magnitude will be visible in the contiguous United States will be in April of 2044.
Because Henry County is in the narrow path of total solar eclipse, the community is expecting thousands of visitors from out of the area. Avid “eclipse chasers,” international travelers, and generally curious individuals are projected to arrive in the area the weekend leading up to April 8. Surrounding communities of Indianapolis and Richmond are also expecting large crowds.
Several area destinations are making plans including Memorial Park, Summit Lake State Park, New Castle-Henry County Public Library, and Knightstown Forward. Henry County Destination Development (HCDD) will share all eclipse-related activities provided to them on this webpage: https://www.hoopsinhenry.com/eclipse. HCDD will also create a preparation kit for businesses and destinations who are interested in getting ready for the influx of tourism traffic and income.
Leading up to, and during, the eclipse festivities, HCDD will conduct a tourism-focused campaign to encourage visitors to stop at Henry County destinations and come back to visit again.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share with others about the benefits of visiting and living in Henry County,” shared Corey Murphy, President of the HCDD and New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation. “We want everyone in the community to be prepared to ‘show off’ what we have to offer in addition to great vistas to watch an eclipse.”
For more information about the eclipse, visit greatamericaneclipse.com. Find information about tourism-related activities in Henry County by visiting HoopsInHenry.com and follow Henry County Destination Development on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
