Jason Hatton
The Bartholomew County Public Library is making plans for Columbus’ moment in the spotlight — or, to be more accurate, the shadow.
Director Jason Hatton estimated that the library has purchased 14,000 glasses in preparation for the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, with staff working to plan events and activities around the event.
“Columbus is right in the path of totality, and so anticipated to be lots and lots and lots of people around,” he said.
The library previously held a viewing party for the 2017 eclipse. While Columbus was not in the path of totality during that event, Hatton said that they still ran out of glasses.
Except for the brief total phase of the eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection, NASA officials warn.
According to the Columbus Area Visitors Center, the partial eclipse will begin in Columbus at 1:50 p.m. and end at 4:23 p.m., with the total eclipse occurring from “3:05:52 ET to 3:09:54 ET.”
“Plans are underway for a variety of special events that will take place in Bartholomew County starting Friday, April 5, and culminate on the afternoon of April 8 at 3:04 pm during the eclipse itself!” the visitors center’s website states.
NASA officials have said that after the April 2024 eclipse, there will not be another total solar eclipse that is visible from the contiguous United States until Aug. 23, 2044.
More information about the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, including how to view the phenomenon safely, is available at solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2024/apr-8-total/overview/.
