From reports

The much-anticipated solar eclipse is a little under a month away on April 8, 2024! The good news is that you don’t have to travel very far to see it. The bad news is that traffic in some parts of the area that day might be a little crazy, so plan ahead to determine where you want to be for this exciting occurence.

According to the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana, the path of totality does come within a reasonable distance from Whitley County — with the greatest visibility following a line from Marion, Indiana to Napoleon, Ohio. Much of the southeast portion of northern Indiana is within 100% totality! It will start to get dark around 1:50 p.m. EDT, with peak totality around 3:10 p.m. EDT.

During a solar eclipse, it’s crucial to prioritize eye safety to avoid potential damage to your vision. Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse, even for a short period, can cause serious harm to your eyes. It is essential to use proper eye protection such as solar viewing glasses or solar filters designed specifically for safe eclipse viewing. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes during an eclipse.

Additionally, using indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors or solar viewers can allow you to experience the eclipse safely. Always exercise caution and follow recommended guidelines to safeguard your eyesight during this awe-inspiring celestial event.

(The Hoot News graphic provided by the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana)