Welcome to the Western Wayne News eclipse day coverage for April 8, 2024. This article has updates from our reporting team stationed around Wayne County as the community celebrates this rare celestial event. For more information and related articles and resources, visit the WWN Eclipse Guide.
Monday, April 8
4:56 p.m. — Traffic is normal
The Wayne County Emergency Management agency shared a traffic update:
We are happy to report a very safe and uneventful Total Solar Eclipse from the EOC! Traffic is doing quite well in and around the City, as well as the interstate has no backups or delays.
3:52 p.m. — Start the presses
In the midst of covering the solar eclipse experience, the WWN team has been finalizing the April 10 edition of the newspaper, which will include our coverage of today’s events.
Photo by Jenny Pugh
3:25 p.m. — Watching together
Scouts from Troop 6 in Cambridge City donned their eclipse glasses and watched as the moon’s shadow covered progressively more of the sun Monday afternoon.
From left are Edward Horst, Carter Sherwood and Levi Cole. Photo by Bob Hansen
3:09 p.m. — Cheers and emotions
As the solar eclipse reached the moment of totality, cheers erupted among the crowd at Cope Environmental Center.
The frogs were audibly loud.
One observer could be heard saying, “My heart is beating so fast right now.”
For some, watching a total solar eclipse can prompt strong emotions, positive and negative and everything in between.
3:07 p.m. — Totality
2:45 p.m. — People are finding their viewing spots
Update from Jon Duke, deputy director of EMA:
The Cardinal Greenway trailhead at Jacksonburg Road and U.S. 35 is full of eclipse viewers.
There are 75 to 100 people at the state highest point site.
The westbound Interstate 70 rest area is full and has been closed by INDOT.
2:15 p.m. — Emergency management center activated
Wayne County Emergency Management Agency has activated its Emergency Operations Center for the eclipse.
The EOC puts police, fire, EMS, weather and EMA personnel in one room to streamline decision-making and communication during a large-scale event. Screens in the EOC monitor traffic and weather throughout Indiana.
No traffic problems have been reported in Wayne County, and the area is among the best to view the eclipse with high, thin cloud cover.
Photo by Mike Emery
1:40 p.m. — Protect your eyes
The bright sun can cause permanent damage to retinas. Make sure to wear special eclipse glasses — not sunglasses — or look through special viewers during times of partial eclipse. Glasses must meet ISO 12312-2 specifications. They should be worn in front of regular eyeglasses. Do not use eclipse glasses that have scratches on the lenses or other damage. As a test, put on the eclipse glasses and look directly at lights. No light should be visible through the glasses. If any light is visible, do not wear the glasses when viewing the sun.
Do not look through cellphones, cameras, binoculars or telescopes with eclipse glasses. Special filters are required and must be placed in front of those optical devices.
The only time it’s safe to look at the eclipse without glasses, viewers or filters is during the time of totality when the moon completely blocks the sun, leaving only the sun’s corona visible.
1:35 p.m. — Cope sees visitors from around the nation
Cope Environmental Center’s viewing area is starting to fill up, and WWN spotted license plates from New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virginia, South Carolina, Colorado and Michigan in the parking lot.
Photo by Millicent Martin Emery
1 p.m. — What you’ll see
The moon will cross between the Earth and sun, blocking parts of the sun until it completely covers the sun. That’s called totality, and the moon’s umbra shadow will cause darkness comparable to dawn or dusk.
Shortly before and after totality a couple of effects will be visible. First, Baily’s Beads will appear as several points of light that shine around the moon’s edges. They are formed by light rays from the sun streaming through the valleys along the moon’s horizon, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. When Baily’s Beads disappear, only a single bright spot will remain along the edge of the moon’s shadow. That’s called the Diamond Ring.
When the Diamond Ring disappears, totality begins, and it’s safe to remove eclipse glasses. At this point, you might see the chromosphere, a region of the solar atmosphere appearing as a thin circle of pink around the moon, and the corona, the outer solar atmosphere that appears as streams of white light. The sun is expected to be active during this year’s eclipse, because it’s at solar maximum. In that state, the sun’s magnetic field creates streamers that flow throughout the corona. There’s also a possibility prominences will be visible. They are bright, pink curls or loops coming off the sun.
Make sure to put eclipse glasses back on before totality ends. As the moon continues to move, the Diamond Ring will appear on the other side of the moon, followed by Baily’s Beads.
12:45 p.m. — All day grilling in Cambridge City
Volunteers at the Cambridge City Fire Department are shown below serving lunch as a part of the town’s “Moon Fest on Main” festivities. Fire chief Jeff Gabbard is optimistic about more visitors arriving soon. “They’re coming! They’ll be here!” he said.
Food will be available at the fire station, 126 West Maple Street, Cambridge City, until 6 p.m.
Photo by WWN’s Jenny Pugh
11:59 a.m. — Prepare for traffic, sun, weather
Although the eclipse will not start until almost 2 p.m., Wayne County officials recommend arriving at a viewing site early, staying put at that site through the eclipse, then remaining for some time after the eclipse to ease traffic congestion. If you’re traveling to a viewing site, prepare to spend time in traffic and prepare for the weather.
Make sure your vehicle is fueled and ready for that extra time on the road. Take along water, snacks and device charging cables. Show patience toward other drivers experiencing the same traffic delays. Do not call 911 or an emergency dispatch line for traffic information. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers interactive traffic maps at 511in.org.
Temperatures today are expected to warm up nicely, and it’s important to prepare for time outdoors during the eclipse. Make sure to have proper clothing for sun protection and for cooler temperatures earlier and later in the day. Have hats and sunscreen to avoid problems with sun exposure. In case there is a weather problem, receive weather messages from Wayne County Emergency Management Agency through Nixle. Text 47374 to 888777 or go online to Nixle.com to register.
Also, anticipate problems using cellphones and other devices during high demand for phone signals and internet bandwidth. Create a communication plan and identify a reunification point with friends and family in case a quick call is impossible. Carry some cash with you in case credit card readers fail to work.
11:40 a.m. — Special viewing opportunity in Centerville
Charles Cunningham is a member of the Columbus Astronomical Society visiting from Columbus, Ohio. Cunningham is adjusting the Orion Maksutov-Newtonian telescope he brought with him for the solar eclipse.
He is inviting the public to come to the Centerville High School tennis court area where he is set up, and take a look at the eclipse through this fantastic equipment! He also will be taking an image with his other Orion AstroView Refractor.
Photo by DAJO Photos
11:15 a.m. — Fairgrounds event waives gate fee
Eclipse viewers can now enjoy festivities at the Wayne County Fairgrounds without paying an entrance fee. Jody Brehm, one of the organizers of the “Eclipse & More 2024” event being held there this weekend, told WWN that she had waived the fee to encourage more people to visit and enjoy the food trucks and vendors set up there.
Lack of interest in the scheduled musical performances meant she had to cancel all of the ticketed entertainment that had been planned, Brehm said, but she still wants people to support the businesses who are set up. Approximately 12 food trucks are expected to be available.
Brehm said any donations to help offset the costs of producing the event would be welcome.
10:59 a.m. — How will animals react?
Animal Care Alliance shared this update:
We’ve had a lot of people ask our vets and staff regarding their pet’s health and safety during the eclipse. Here’s one of the best ways we’ve found to phrase it simply:
Our pets don’t ordinarily stare at the sun. You shouldn’t be concerned about your pet’s eyes unless you have pets that already like to stare at the sun on a typical day… and if you do have pets that do that then you should already have concerns because that is not normal behavior.
However, you may still wish to keep your pets indoors for their safety as animals of the two-legged variety may get a little crazy with all the excitement!
You may notice some slight changes in the behavior of wildlife as the birds stop singing and there may even be a little bit of nocturnal animal activity… but the eclipse is a natural and normal occurrence that happens all over the world, and things will return to normal with minimal disruption afterward.
We hope you have a safe and enjoyable viewing!
10:49 a.m. — Free eclipse viewing glasses in Hagerstown
Hagerstown Public Library shared this update:
The Hagerstown Public library is closed today. BUT our little free library cart is out for service. We have a whole lot of eclipse glasses, activity packs for the kids, maps of events in Hagerstown, state festival guides, free books and more on the little cart. Stop by and check it out and help yourself!
9 a.m. — What is the eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon and sun align. The moon passes between the Earth and sun and is the necessary distance from Earth to completely block the sun. The moon’s umbra shadow covers a portion of Earth, creating darkness like dawn or dusk. That shadow moves as the moon and Earth continue their orbits, creating the path of totality. Today, Wayne County falls in that path, which will be about 121 miles wide as it moves through Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Canada.
8:30 a.m. — Many events planned
These are just a few of the events and viewing opportunities planned for today:
- Kids’ activities, 7:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m., Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, 1717 S. L St., Richmond. Free eclipse fun for members. Sponsors covering annual membership fee through April 12. bgcrichmond.org or 765-962-6922
- Eclipse activities, 10 a.m., Cope Environmental Center, 1730 Airport Road, Centerville. $20 per vehicle. Reservations: visitcope.org. 765-855-3188
- Eclipse activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Joseph Moore Museum, Earlham College, 801 National Road W., Richmond. Planetarium shows and activities until 1 p.m. Reservations required: lu.ma/u/JMM
- Eclipse parking, 11 a.m., Centerville-Abington Community Schools, 509 Willow Grove Road, Centerville. $20 per vehicle. Bring seating. Concessions. 765-855-3475
- Eclipse lecture, 11 a.m.-noon, Whitewater Hall, IU East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Wes Tobin, assistant professor of physics, will speak and announce during viewing of the entire eclipse. Telescopes available. Free. east.iu.edu/events
- Food tent, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Jefferson Township Trustee’s Office, 37 E. Main St., Hagerstown. HHS band and Tigerettes sell pork chop sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs.
- Pork dinner, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., AMVETS, 110 E. Pearl St., Greens Fork. Smoked pork or ribs, sides and dessert. $10. View eclipse from parking lot.
- Eclipse tailgate, noon-4 p.m., Model T Museum, 209 N. Eighth St., Richmond. Activities, private tour. NASA livestream shown in theater. $25 for one vehicle and four attendees. Registration closes April 1. www.mtfca.com/museum or 765-373-3106.
- Eclipse viewing, 1-5 p.m., Glen Miller Park, 2200 E. Main St., Richmond. Bandshell events and Roosevelt Hill viewing site.
- Eclipse viewing, 2:30-4 p.m., Brickyard Care, 1042 Oak Drive, Richmond. American Red Cross offering blood drive. Live music, arts and crafts. Donation requested for parking, which includes eclipse glasses. Reservations: 937-423-8374
- Eclipse viewing, Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, 201 U.S. 27 N., Fountain City. Parking lot blocked off; bring chairs. Interpretive center open for self-guided tours. $2 admission. 765-847-1691
8 a.m. — Today’s the day
Welcome to eclipse day!
For more than a year, focus has been on the rare opportunity to view a total solar eclipse in Wayne County. As the moon moves between the Earth and sun, the moon’s umbra shadow will diagonally cross the United States from Texas to Maine.
Locally, the moon will begin blocking the sun about 1:52 p.m. and won’t fully move away from the sun until about 4:24 p.m. Totality is expected in Wayne County from about 3:07 to 3:11 p.m. It will last 4 minutes in Dalton Township, 3:59.2 in Hagerstown, 3:58 in Williamsburg, 3:56.9 in Greens Fork, 3:56.7 in Cambridge City, 3:56.5 in Fountain City, 3:52 in Centerville and 3:48.8 in Richmond.
Sunday, April 6
6 p.m. — Glen Miller Park pond fire
Community members and visitors gathered around the pond at Glen Miller Park to browse vendors, grab some food, listen to music and learn about the eclipse tomorrow. Photos by WWN’s Chris Hardie
4 p.m. — Hotel rooms still available
According to a WWN survey of hotels in the county, there are still plenty of rooms available for those making last-minute travel arrangements.
While one hotel was booked full, others such as Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hampton Inn, Baymont by Wyndham, Quality Inn, Richmond Inn & Suites and Motel 6 all had availability ranging from just a few to as many as 20 or 30 rooms on Saturday and Sunday evening.
Friday, April 5
Tourists are arriving
Eclipse chasers from states including California, New York, Colorado, Kentucky, Iowa, Washington, Idaho and Illinois began checking into Wayne County lodging as early as Wednesday, April 3.
Angel Gray, communications / operations manager for Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau, expects additional guests have quietly arrived from other states, but she or other tourism staff have communicated with visitors from those eight states.
Gray said the tourism bureau has learned of approximately 631 eclipse-related hotel reservations in the county (1,262 rooms booked overall – which might include non-eclipse related bookings).
Gray said all Air BnBs are booked and campgrounds are full, but camping spaces remain at Wayne County Fairgrounds and pop-up opportunities.
Parks revise hours
On Thursday evening, Richmond Parks and Recreation staff shared a revised schedule for which city parks are open to vehicles this weekend and Monday.
Glen Miller Park, Jack Elstro Plaza, Middlefork Reservoir, and Highland Lake Golf Course will remain open throughout the festivities.
Some of the parks will offer activities throughout the weekend. For instance, a pond fire, live music and vendors are expected at Glen Miller from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, April 7.
The Whitewater Gorge’s Star-Gennett area in the 100 block of South First will be open from 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6, until 8 p.m. Sunday, April 7. Originally, that park only was to remain open during Richmond Farmers Market from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
However, residents raised concerns about reducing access to the historic former Starr Piano Factory and Gennett Records Walk of Fame because of Richmond’s “Cradle of Recorded Jazz” national legacy in music.
On Monday, Glen Miller will only have entrances open near the Madonna of the Trail statue on East Main and from North E Street/Grand Boulevard.
All other parks will be closed to vehicular traffic through Monday, and barricades will be in place. Richmond has nearly two dozen public parks encompassing more than 1,100 acres.
Parks staff say the closures will allow eclipse viewing sites to be managed, patrolled and maintained at proper times to keep the parks safe and beautiful.
Walkers are welcome in all parks. Guests are asked to carry out anything they carry in.