Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Indianapolis

Total solar eclipses are not too common, and it is even less common that they are visible from Indy.  August 21, however, we finally have the chance to see a total solar eclipse.  According to NASA, Indy’s view will be eighty to ninety percent visible.  Thus, in honor of this special event, places all over the city are running viewing parties, labs, and activities.

Check out the IC guide below to choose which way you and your family want to celebrate the solar eclipse in Indianapolis.  

Solar Eclipse Viewing at the Ruins

Holliday Park will experience over 90% obscuration of the sun, making for a stunning event.  We will gather out at the Ruins to safely view this wondrous event. The first one-hundred and seventy-five registrants will receive a free pair of CE Certified eclipse viewing glasses to safely watch the event.

Details: Holliday Park Ruins; Glasses distribution begins at 10:30am.

STEMLab: Shadows of the Moon

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has created  STEMLab in honor of the upcoming eclipse.  Kids will be able to use models to make observations of the sun, moon, and Earth,  recreate the moon’s phases in the palm of their hands, and  find out how to avoid the dangers involved in observing a solar eclipse.  The lab will run both weekends prior to the eclipse and during the eclipse.

Details: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis; 10:30am-11am, 11:30am-12pm, 1:30pm-2pm, 2:30pm-3pm, and  3:30pm-4pm.

Art of the Eclipse

Perfect for kids in school, the West Indianapolis Branch Library invites kids to join Art With a Heart for a program full of art and science inspired by the stars, sun, moon and the August eclipse.

Details: The West Indianapolis Branch Library; begins at 4:45pm.  Registration required.

Solar Eclipse Viewing at Eagle Creek

Join us at the Earth Discovery Center to learn how to view the eclipse safely using a pinhole projector (NEVER look at the sun or the eclipse directly, even during the darkest part of the eclipse, as this can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness).  The most coverage will occur at 2:24pm.  Free with park admission.

Details: Earth Discovery Center; 1pm-3pm.

Viewing Party at Fireside Brewhouse

Fireside Brewhouse, a family-owned and operated restaurant on Indy’s Southside, is holding a viewing party for the 2017 Solar Eclipse.  They will have food and beverage specials in honor of the event in addition to free eclipse glasses.  Join Fireside Brewhouse for great food and a great view!

Details: Fireside Brewhouse; 11am-3pm.  

The Great American Eclipse 2017

Join us at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater as we watch the Great American Eclipse! We’ll provide free eclipse glasses for safe viewing and chocolate moonpies for snacks. The midpoint will be at 2:25 PM. Stay as long as you’d like and catch live NASA coverage in the library’s meeting rooms.

Details: Nickel Plate District Amphitheater; 1pm-4pm.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

For all the hardcore astronomy lovers- this event is for you.  According to the NASA Total Solar Eclipse Interactive Map, Angel Mounds State Historic Site will be at 98.99 percent obscuration. The site will remain open through the duration of the solar eclipse.  It might be a bit of a hike, but it will certainly be worth it.  $5 per person.

Details: Angel Mounds State Historic Site; 11am-3pm.  

Eclipse Offers Opportunity for Animal Observations

As people across the United States prepare for the historic solar eclipse on Aug. 21, the Indianapolis Zoo is posing the question: How will the animals react? To discover the answer, the Zoo is encouraging its guests as well as Indianapolis-area residents to observe the animal species around them during the eclipse and record their findings. To record their findings, the Zoo encourages its visitors and area residents to download the iNaturalist app on their smartphone. Using the mobile platform, participants can join the Indianapolis Zoo Eclipse Experience: Animal Observations project to share and view observations from other citizen scientists.

Details: Indianapolis Zoo, 12:57pm to 3:48pm and will peak (93 percent totality) at 2:25pm.