Purdue University Prepares for Once-in-a-Lifetime Total Solar Eclipse Event
On April 8, 2024, a once-in-a-lifetime event will take place, and the Purdue University community is gearing up to witness it firsthand. A total eclipse of the sun will occur, and Boilermakers will have a front-row seat to this extraordinary cosmological phenomenon. The eclipse is expected to darken the sky as if it were dawn or dusk, creating a surreal atmosphere for nearly four minutes.
The state of Indiana will be a prime location to witness this celestial spectacle. Those in Boone County south to Indianapolis and through much of south and southeastern Indiana will experience 100% totality for up to 3 minutes and 44 seconds. Visit Indiana predicts that over a million tourists will flock to the state to witness this rare event. It is worth noting that this will be the first time in 819 years that a total solar eclipse will be visible in much of Indiana, and it will be another 129 years before it occurs again.
To prepare for this once-in-a-generation event, Purdue University has released information and opportunities for students, staff, instructors, alumni, and fans who are interested in celebrating the day. While classes and operations on the West Lafayette campus will proceed as normal, the Office of the Provost is encouraging instructors to be flexible and consider adjusting course schedules so that students can experience this incredible learning opportunity. Additionally, instructors are strongly encouraged not to schedule exams on the day of the eclipse.
One of the highlights of Purdue’s eclipse efforts is the Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), presented by Purdue University. IMS will become the destination for an unrivaled viewing experience within the path of totality. In collaboration with IMS and NASA, Purdue will host a day of programming and festivities featuring Purdue experts, students, alumni, and more. The IMS location is one of three primary partner locations where NASA will stage a live broadcast of its eclipse coverage. Thousands of people from around the world are expected to attend this viewing event, making it one of the largest in the country on that day.
The event at IMS will feature various activities and attractions throughout the day. Gates will open at 9 a.m., and educational programming will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will kick off with opening ceremonies and a parade lap at 12:35 p.m., followed by the start of the NASA broadcast at 1 p.m. The total solar eclipse is set to begin at 1:50 p.m., with totality occurring from 3:06 p.m. to 3:09 p.m. After the eclipse, there will be closing ceremonies, an autograph session with an astronaut and driver, and the gates will close at 4 p.m.
For those unable to make it to Indianapolis, Purdue University is hosting a total solar eclipse watch party on its West Lafayette campus. The watch party will take place on Stadium Mall, near the Class of 1939 Water Sculpture (Engineering Fountain). Attendees will have access to 1,000 free pairs of eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse. This event is being hosted by the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the John Martinson Honors College, and Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies.
In addition to the viewing events, Purdue University is organizing educational programming to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the total solar eclipse. A STEM Symposium will be held from approximately 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring two tracks covering topics ranging from rockets to race cars, space exploration, careers in STEM, women in STEM, and the science of a total solar eclipse. The symposium will also include a live recording of the “This Is Purdue” podcast, hosted by Kate Young, with an all-astronaut panel.
Furthermore, there will be booth and exhibit displays throughout the day, showcasing faculty, students, and subject matter experts from Purdue University, the Indiana Space Grant Consortium, NearSpace Education, and NASA. These exhibits, booths, demonstrations, and displays will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of various aspects related to space and astronomy.
The Total Solar Eclipse Event at IMS has been designated as one of three official broadcast sites for NASA TV’s coverage of the eclipse. Media outlets from around the country and the world will be present to cover this extraordinary event. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will serve as a hub for the working media, providing them with access to its world-class media center.
To commemorate this historic event, limited-time solar eclipse merchandise is available for purchase from Indianapolis Motor Speedway and The Shop. With more than 31 million people living in the path of totality and Indy being within a day’s drive of over half of the nation’s population, it is expected to be a significant gathering for people from all walks of life.
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