The city of Seymour Indiana has received major media attention in the last couple of weeks. This is because Seymour is one of the best viewing spots for the total solar eclipse that will occur on April 8th, 2024. Many people plan to descend upon Seymour, which is predicted to have a perfect view of the eclipse for about three minutes. Some sources are saying that Seymour will receive over 90,000 visitors on April 8th.
As a way to celebrate the eclipse and welcome visitors, the city of Seymour has planned a festival downtown on the Sunday before the eclipse, and will have public viewing sites open on April 8. Educational speakers, live music, and local food and craft vendors will be in the downtown area. Notable speakers include Seymour native and USAF Space Shuttle Program member Mike Weasner, Seymour High School alumni Bailee Wolfe, and astronomer Mark Williams. WDRB will be broadcasting from the area on the day of the eclipse. Free eclipse glasses will be provided at the festival on Sunday.
Local authorities are warning that the city will be greatly affected by the sudden wave of people visiting. Hospitals, the police, and local businesses are all making plans for the mass of eclipse tourists. So many people are expected to come into Seymour that the Seymour Community School Corporation has announced that all schools in the area will be closed on Monday, and students will have a virtual learning day.
The total eclipse is expected to begin at 3:07 PM and the partial eclipse will last from 1:49 to 4:23 PM. It is the first total eclipse to pass over Indiana since 1869, and the next total eclipse is expected in 2099. To put this into perspective, someone who is currently 16 will be 91 years old at the time of the next total eclipse.
Some officials are giving out ways to stay safe during the eclipse. It is recommended to have eclipse glasses if you want to view the eclipse, a full tank of gas in case of travel, and food and water since the visitors to the town will likely use up many of these resources. Significant traffic delays are expected as well, so grocery shopping and other tasks around town should be done on Saturday to avoid the massive number of visitors. If you don’t plan on viewing the eclipse, then be aware of the darkness that will come with it. If you do plan on viewing the eclipse, then safely protect your eyes.
