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April 10, 2024

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Eclipse crowds pale against estimates

Local officials and business organizations expected up to 300,000 people to visit Monroe County for the eclipse. Now, they estimate crowds were far smaller than anticipated on Monday.

April 10, 2024

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A sign that says "Welcome to Spencer."

Spencer, Indiana overall pleased with eclipse turnout

Though visitor numbers didn't quite reach the levels that their Apple Butter Festival parade usually hits, town officials are happy with Monday's eclipse turnout.

April 9, 2024

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Performers dressed in full armor took a break from combat exhibitions to don modern protective glasses and gaze at the sun during the total solar eclipse on Monday.

A Renaissance-themed eclipse at a southern Indiana airport

Millions of Americans saw the eclipse on Monday, but visitors at one local airport in south central Indiana stargazed at what organizers say is the country’s only eclipse-based renaissance fair.

April 9, 2024

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Astronomers Without Borders eclipse glasses recycling campaign

Nonprofit collects used eclipse glasses

Before you throw away your eclipse glasses, consider donating or recycling them.

April 8, 2024

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Thousands view the total solar eclipse from Bloomington

Follow our coverage of today's eclipse before the special recap at 6:30 tonight.

April 7, 2024

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Total eclipse

Forecast: Partly cloudy skies over Monroe County during eclipse

Meteorologists are fine-tuning their predictions ahead of Monday’s total solar eclipse. Cloud cover may spoil the view in some places along the path of totality but meteorologists expect a clear patch to include central Indiana.

April 4, 2024

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Logo for the Hoosier Cosmic Celebration

IU students can redeem free eclipse celebration tickets

Indiana University students are eligible for two free tickets to the April 8 Hoosier Cosmic Celebration at Memorial Stadium.

April 4, 2024

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A photo of travelers in the lobby of the Indianapolis International Airport.

Airline companies to have flights that follow path of totality

Southwest Airlines will have round-trip day flights Monday that will be in the air as the eclipse occurs. One flight will go from Austin, Texas, to Indianapolis, and will follow the path of totality.   

April 4, 2024

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Rural Eclipse Scholars

IU Eclipse Scholars support rural Hoosiers, foster connection

The Center of Rural Engagement’s 2024 Rural Solar Eclipse Scholars support partners around Indiana, helping them use the eclipse as a catalyst for social connection.

April 4, 2024

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The exterior of the Bloomington Fire Station Headquarters.

Monroe County Emergency Management "hoping for the best, preparing for the worst"

In situations such as terrorist attacks or transportation disasters, local healthcare systems can become overwhelmed. Justin Baker, deputy director of Monroe County EMA, said the agency has been preparing for over a year.  

April 4, 2024

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business, technology and people concept - close up of businesswoman hands with smartphone

Mixed sentiments on how crowds might affect communication networks during eclipse 

While the community is anticipating slowdowns on Wi-Fi and cellular networks, phone companies say there shouldn't be any disruptions due to large crowds.

April 4, 2024

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An empty shelf where soap is usually sold at a Kroger in Bloomington.

Companies not worried about potential for food and fuel shortages on eclipse day

Starbucks on Indiana Avenue is expected to get at least an extra 1,500 customers on eclipse day.

April 3, 2024

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Indiana Humanities named New Harmony’s Linda Neal Reising winner of its eclipse-themed poetry contest, out of more than 250 entries.

Indiana has its official poet of the solar eclipse

Indiana Humanities named New Harmony’s Linda Neal Reising winner of its eclipse-themed poetry contest out of more than 250 entries.

April 3, 2024

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Songbird

IU app for reporting bird behavior during eclipse

The creators are asking people to submit information on bird behavior during the eclipse.

April 2, 2024

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Science Fest

IU Science Fest Saturday highlights solar eclipse, shows off campus scientists and artists

The one day only, family-friendly Science Fest will take place on campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. just two days before the total solar eclipse on April 8.

April 2, 2024

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Second graders practice using solar eclipse glasses outside Winchester Village Elementary School in Indianapolis.

How an Indianapolis teacher is using the solar eclipse to inspire her students

It's an experience she expects them to remember for the rest of their lives.

March 29, 2024

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AP OK Minh Ha, assistive technology manager at the Perkins School for the Blind tries a LightSound device for the first time at the school's library in Watertown, Mass., on March 2, 2024. As eclipse watchers look to the skies in April 2024

Blind people can hear and feel April's total solar eclipse with new technology

While eclipse watchers look to the skies, people who are blind or visually impaired will be able to hear and feel the celestial event.

March 29, 2024

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Downtown Columbus Tuesday afternoon.

Preparations for eclipse prove rare and challenging

City leaders are gearing up for the total solar eclipse in a couple of weeks. Officials say more than 300,000 visitors could flock to Bloomington.

March 28, 2024

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Emergency services have prepared for the eclipse for months. Here’s what you need to know

The department said the eclipse is an “all-hands-on-deck” event for first responders. The path of totality will stretch 115 miles wide and will cover most of the state — making Indiana a great place to travel to view the “historic” event.

March 27, 2024

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Shine On Music Fest

Shine On Music Fest to take place due to Shadowfest cancellation

Through the frustration, Spence Taylor saw an opportunity to start over.

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March 26, 2024

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eskenazi hospital

IU, Eskenazi hospitals to limit surgeries on eclipse day

The IU and Eskenazi Hospitals are limiting the number of surgeries and appointments taking place the day of the eclipse.

March 25, 2024

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William Shatner

'Ponder the mystery of existence': William Shatner to speak at IU eclipse celebration

Shatner, most known for his iconic role of Captain Kirk in the “Star Trek” universe, will deliver a 15-minute performance at Indiana University’s Hoosier Cosmic Celebration April 8 ahead of the total solar eclipse.

March 24, 2024

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Total eclipse

Fill up your gas tank and prepare to wait. Some tips to prepare for April’s total solar eclipse

Small towns and rural enclaves along the path of April’s total solar eclipse are steeling for huge crowds of sun chasers who plan to catch a glimpse of day turning into dusk in North America.

March 22, 2024

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Fourth Street Garage

Top floors of Bloomington parking garages off limits on eclipse day

The top floors of Bloomington’s parking garages won’t be publicly accessible April 8, the day of the total solar eclipse.

March 21, 2024

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As lodging fills up for the eclipse, tourists book some less-conventional options

At the end of 2023, Visit Bloomington estimated 3,000 lodging beds in Monroe County.  It projects more than 150,000 visitors for eclipse day.

March 21, 2024

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Plane

Monroe County Airport taking reservations for landings on eclipse day

It costs $50 to land a piston-powered, smaller plane, and $100 to land a turbine-powered, bigger business plane.

March 20, 2024

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streetlight

Will streetlights turn on during the eclipse? WFIU illuminates

Streetlight behavior during the solar eclipse will depend on where — and how — you are watching.

March 15, 2024

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Eclipseville mural in Hopkinsville, Ky.

Visiting Eclipseville, seven years later

Hopkinsville, Ky., was deemed “the point of greatest eclipse” by NASA in the 2017 total solar eclipse, drawing over 120,000 visitors to a town of around 30,000.

March 13, 2024

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bailey's beads

New phone app deputizes bystanders into citizen scientists for NASA solar research

Students and faculty at Western Kentucky University have created a smartphone app that can help to discern the exact shape of the sun with ‘the equipment they have in their pocket.'

March 13, 2024

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A photo of a Bloomington Transit bus from the front.

Bloomington Transit limiting service on eclipse day

Bloomington Transit will offer limited bus service on April 8 as the city braces for an estimated 300,000 visitors.

March 12, 2024

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A total solar eclipse is seen on Monday, August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon.

Visit Bloomington, Parks Department explain plans for eclipse celebrations

Visit Bloomington has tracked 31 eclipse-related events so far. 

March 8, 2024

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Micro grants helping communities capitalize on eclipse

Communities around the state are preparing to host the largest number of tourists they’ve ever seen. And for many of the state’s smaller communities, grant money is going a long way to make their events possible.

March 7, 2024

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A total solar eclipse

Animal behaviors may shift during the eclipse

It is unlikely that dogs and cats will even look at the sun during the eclipse, as they don’t normally look at it anyway.

March 6, 2024

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Kerry Thomson

Bloomington, IU leaders share safety plans for 300,000 eclipse visitors

“There's no better place to witness the eclipse than right here in Bloomington. We're going to prove that to everyone on April 8,” Mayor Kerry Thomson said.

March 1, 2024

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Expert weighs in on the dangers of looking at the solar eclipse

As an estimated 300,000 visitors make their way towards Bloomington for the upcoming solar eclipse, experts are warning about the dangers of viewing the event without proper eyewear.

February 29, 2024

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shadowfest logo

Shadowfest canceled after years of planning 

The Fair Board said it was not in their best interest to continue the event due to irregularities in required payments.

February 15, 2024

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Total eclipse

Can you chase the path of totality?

The time of totality during the April 8 eclipse will only last about 4 minutes. Can you “chase” the path of totality to experience the total eclipse for longer?

February 7, 2024

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Janelle Monae - State Theatre - Minneapolis - Dirty Computer Tour, taken July 2018

Performances coming to Bloomington for the solar eclipse

The Hoosier Cosmic Celebration will be held at the Memorial Stadium.

February 2, 2024

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Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area

More Hoosier Forest campgrounds open for eclipse

The second phase of Hoosier National Forest campground reservations open Feb. 5.

January 29, 2024

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Monroe County eclipse exhibit

Exhibit showcases history of total solar eclipse in Monroe County

The exhibit features a comparison of protective eyewear now and what they used to view the eclipse in 1869.

July 11, 2023

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What kind of eclipse glasses should I get?

With the path of totality spanning much of Indiana, including Bloomington, experts are suggesting that Hoosiers plan ahead.

April 14, 2023

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A total solar eclipse

Bloomington one of best places to see 2024 solar eclipse

For the first time in over 100 years, Bloomington will be in the direct path of totality for the solar eclipse in 2024.

April 8, 2024

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One arrested, 3 detained at pro-Palestinian gathering on IU campus

Indiana University police arrested one person and detained three others during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus Monday.

April 4, 2024

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A photo of travelers in the lobby of the Indianapolis International Airport.

Airline companies to have flights that follow path of totality

Southwest Airlines will have round-trip day flights Monday that will be in the air as the eclipse occurs. One flight will go from Austin, Texas, to Indianapolis, and will follow the path of totality.   

April 4, 2024

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Rural Eclipse Scholars

IU Eclipse Scholars support rural Hoosiers, foster connection

The Center of Rural Engagement’s 2024 Rural Solar Eclipse Scholars support partners around Indiana, helping them use the eclipse as a catalyst for social connection.

April 4, 2024

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An empty shelf where soap is usually sold at a Kroger in Bloomington.

Companies not worried about potential for food and fuel shortages on eclipse day

Starbucks on Indiana Avenue is expected to get at least an extra 1,500 customers on eclipse day.

April 2, 2024

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lanes

Lanes closures on State Road 45/46 to start April 9

Travel on State Road 45/46 will be reduced to one lane between North Kinser Pike and Arlington Road in Bloomington starting on Tuesday, April 9, the day after the eclipse. 

April 2, 2024

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Science Fest

IU Science Fest Saturday highlights solar eclipse, shows off campus scientists and artists

The one day only, family-friendly Science Fest will take place on campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. just two days before the total solar eclipse on April 8.

March 29, 2024

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Downtown Columbus Tuesday afternoon.

Preparations for eclipse prove rare and challenging

City leaders are gearing up for the total solar eclipse in a couple of weeks. Officials say more than 300,000 visitors could flock to Bloomington.

March 26, 2024

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eskenazi hospital

IU, Eskenazi hospitals to limit surgeries on eclipse day

The IU and Eskenazi Hospitals are limiting the number of surgeries and appointments taking place the day of the eclipse.

March 25, 2024

feature

William Shatner

'Ponder the mystery of existence': William Shatner to speak at IU eclipse celebration

Shatner, most known for his iconic role of Captain Kirk in the “Star Trek” universe, will deliver a 15-minute performance at Indiana University’s Hoosier Cosmic Celebration April 8 ahead of the total solar eclipse.

March 24, 2024

feature

Total eclipse

Fill up your gas tank and prepare to wait. Some tips to prepare for April’s total solar eclipse

Small towns and rural enclaves along the path of April’s total solar eclipse are steeling for huge crowds of sun chasers who plan to catch a glimpse of day turning into dusk in North America.

March 22, 2024

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Fourth Street Garage

Top floors of Bloomington parking garages off limits on eclipse day

The top floors of Bloomington’s parking garages won’t be publicly accessible April 8, the day of the total solar eclipse.

March 15, 2024

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Eclipseville mural in Hopkinsville, Ky.

Visiting Eclipseville, seven years later

Hopkinsville, Ky., was deemed “the point of greatest eclipse” by NASA in the 2017 total solar eclipse, drawing over 120,000 visitors to a town of around 30,000.

March 13, 2024

feature

bailey's beads

New phone app deputizes bystanders into citizen scientists for NASA solar research

Students and faculty at Western Kentucky University have created a smartphone app that can help to discern the exact shape of the sun with ‘the equipment they have in their pocket.'

March 13, 2024

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A photo of a Bloomington Transit bus from the front.

Bloomington Transit limiting service on eclipse day

Bloomington Transit will offer limited bus service on April 8 as the city braces for an estimated 300,000 visitors.

March 12, 2024

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A total solar eclipse is seen on Monday, August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon.

Visit Bloomington, Parks Department explain plans for eclipse celebrations

Visit Bloomington has tracked 31 eclipse-related events so far. 

March 7, 2024

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A total solar eclipse

Animal behaviors may shift during the eclipse

It is unlikely that dogs and cats will even look at the sun during the eclipse, as they don’t normally look at it anyway.

March 6, 2024

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Kerry Thomson

Bloomington, IU leaders share safety plans for 300,000 eclipse visitors

“There's no better place to witness the eclipse than right here in Bloomington. We're going to prove that to everyone on April 8,” Mayor Kerry Thomson said.

February 7, 2024

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Janelle Monae - State Theatre - Minneapolis - Dirty Computer Tour, taken July 2018

Performances coming to Bloomington for the solar eclipse

The Hoosier Cosmic Celebration will be held at the Memorial Stadium.

February 2, 2024

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Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area

More Hoosier Forest campgrounds open for eclipse

The second phase of Hoosier National Forest campground reservations open Feb. 5.

December 21, 2023

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"Largest tourism event in Indiana history": Bloomington braces for solar eclipse

The exact epicenter of the once-in-a-generation celestial alignment will pass over the Jiffy Treet parking lot in Ellettsville.

October 12, 2023

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Kirkwood Observatory

Partial solar eclipse to dim Bloomington's sky Saturday

The eclipse will peak at 1:02 p.m., with the sun reaching full brightness around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14.

August 2, 2023

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A total solar eclipse

Micro-grants for eclipse-related activities now open

Organizations in communities smaller than 50,000 in population can apply for up to $2,000 by submitting ideas for eclipse-related events and activities leading up to the April 8, 2024, event.

July 11, 2023

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What kind of eclipse glasses should I get?

With the path of totality spanning much of Indiana, including Bloomington, experts are suggesting that Hoosiers plan ahead.

May 24, 2023

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A total solar eclipse

Center for Rural Engagement offers micro-grants for eclipse-related activities

Organizations in communities smaller than 50,000 in population can apply for up to $2,000 by submitting ideas for eclipse-related events and activities leading up to the April 8, 2024, event.

April 14, 2023

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A total solar eclipse

Bloomington one of best places to see 2024 solar eclipse

For the first time in over 100 years, Bloomington will be in the direct path of totality for the solar eclipse in 2024.

November 7, 2022

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blood moon

Rare blood moon on election morning

Known as a blood moon for its dark red hue, the phenomenon won’t occur for another three years. 

More stories from the WFIU News team »

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