This graphic from NASA shows the path of totality for Monday afternoon’s solar eclipse that be visible over Columbus and other Indiana communities.
On Monday, residents and visitors to our area will cast their eyes skyward — with proper protective glasses, of course — to view an awe-inspiring celestial event that will last mere minutes.
We are in the path of totality for a solar eclipse that will reach its apex at roughly 3 p.m. in these parts, and then, minute by minute, move on. As will we all.
Our scientific understanding of the clockwork mechanics of our solar system and the predictable movement of planets allow observant astronomers to foretell the precise time, location and duration of the solar eclipse, and where it will be visible in full. This in itself is a marvel. But the events in our heavens also move something else, something far less predictable: us.
Only within a narrow stripe on this big blue ball will people be fortunate enough to witness a spellbinding occurrence. Daylight will slowly turn to darkness, and the the light will gradually reemerge. All in a matter of momentous moments.
Scientists can explain precisely how this happens.
But we mere mortals nonetheless are captivated by an event that feels mystical. We may understand the “how” of this eclipse, but the “why” fills many of us with wonder. And that will lead plenty of people to wander for this majestic show of nature.
In a world of human divisions, we have this in common: We are here, now, to experience something magnificent, beautiful, extraordinary and profound.
Yet, as is often the case, human behavior confounds science. There is little reliable data to predict how many people we can expect will want to be witness totality and will make tracks to places like ours to do so. Trying to figure that out falls to local emergency response and homeland security officials who use varying slide rules of probability to come up with best guesses.
Planners are best-guessing maybe 100,000 eclipse watchers coming to Bartholomew County, for instance. People being people, that number could be more, could be less; we’ll know when they get here (or don’t). In any event, it likely may be more than the number of people who live here.
Wisely, many schools and businesses in the path of totality have taken good advice and chosen to take Monday off. That will reduce the burdens that could come from a suddenly surging number of vehicles on the road. Besides, who can pay attention when the moon is blotting out the sun?
A constellation of events will be happening this weekend and leading up to Monday’s big show. The preliminaries might be no match for a total solar eclipse, but there does seem to be something for everyone, from lectures to festivals to concerts to Renaissance-themed events. Visit the Columbus Visitors Center’s eclipse web page at columbus.in.us/eclipse for details.
And speaking of the Visitors Center, that’s where you also can get free eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last. Don’t look up without them.
Whether you are filled with wonder, wander, or both, enjoy the rare moments of Monday’s eclipse, and stay safe.
