Staff Report

INDIANAPOLIS — Days and hours are ticking down and state tourist estimates might be ticking up as a total solar eclipse approaches in six months.

Websites like those for Visit Indiana and Indiana University feature eclipse countdown clocks that show the seconds elapsing between now and about 3 p.m. EDT Monday, April 8, 2024.

That’s approximately when a total solar eclipse slides a cap over the sun — a celestial spectacle that will be visible across much of the Midwest and situated almost perfectly over both residents and visitors that day in the Hoosier state.

Indiana is in such a prime spot for viewing that The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, reported last spring the eclipse possibly could turn into the largest tourism event in state history.

The newspaper reported state officials estimated Indiana could draw between 145,000 to 580,000 visitors based on tourism data gathered in other states during a total eclipse in 2017.

Depending on where you are in Indiana, from east to west, the start time, total duration and end time of the eclipse next spring will vary.

Every part of Indiana will experience either 100% eclipse totality or 90% totality.

The best places to view it will be in the central and southern portions of the state.

“This event is the perfect opportunity to make history,” reads the Visit Indiana website. “Whether you choose to attend one of the many events planned across the state or plan your own viewing parties, you’ll be making memories that will last a lifetime.”

Some hotel rooms even in out-of-the-way spots are reportedly going for more than $1,000 per night.

A clickable map on Visit Indiana lets people peruse an ever-growing list of eclipse events in communities across the state, from Indiana Dunes State Park in the north to the Blue Heron Winery Eclipse Party in the south.