Solar eclipse: Recapping the lead-up to totality
Interactive radar | Latest forecast | Traffic watch | Previous solar eclipse coverage
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — At 3:06 p.m. Monday, darkness swallowed the skies over Indianapolis, clouding the city in all-around twilight for four minutes as the moon crossed over the sun.
It was the moment millions in the United States have been waiting for: the total solar eclipse.
Thousands flocked to Indianapolis to witness the celestial phenomenon, and dozens of events happened to celebrate theonce-in-a-lifetime event.
Here is a recap of the events captured by the News 8 team.
3:24 p.m.
3:15 p.m.
We’ve made it, folks.
3:01 p.m.
FIVE MORE MINUTES!!! βοΈπ
2:56 p.m.
T-MINUS 10 MINUTES UNTIL TOTALITY IN INDY! βοΈπ
2:51 p.m.
T-MINUS 15 MINUTES UNTIL TOTALITY IN INDY! βοΈπ
2:48 p.m.
A little under 20 minutes away until totality!
2:41 p.m.
We’re definitely seeing some crescent shadows now! 25 minutes until totality!
2:38 p.m.
2:34 p.m.
We’re getting closerrrrrrr…
2:28 p.m.
We have K-9 Cash watching the eclipse from Evansville!
2:15 p.m.
A few wonderful candid shots of folks across North America watching the eclipse.
2:13 p.m.
Solar eclipse: Recapping the lead-up to totality
Hoosiers playing Connect Four at White River State Park before the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. (WISH PHOTO/Jeff Clayton)
2:08 p.m.
The moon’s shadow has arrived over Mexico.
2:06 p.m.
T-MINUS 1 HOUR UNTIL TOTALITY! βοΈπ
2:04 p.m.
These folks have the right idea – many eclipse watchers have camped out at the I-65 rest stop in Bartholomew County to watch the event. It’s better than trying to fight the traffic. π€·ββοΈ
2:02 p.m.
The moon has started to squeeze its way across the sun’s path.
2 p.m.
Our WISH-TV Eclipse Special has started! βοΈπ
Watch our full coverage in the hour before totality here online!
1:50 p.m.
It’s happening!
1:46 p.m.
What more do we have to say? Dixie is eclipse ready.
1:45 p.m.
T-MINUS FIVE MINUTES UNTIL THE ECLIPSE BEGINS IN INDIANAPOLIS! βοΈπ
1:42 p.m.
News 8’s Adam Pinsker is at IU Bloomington keeping an eye on the sky. Crowds are starting to file into Memorial Stadium as Indiana nears the start of the eclipse.
1:40 p.m.
T-MINUS 10 MINUTES UNTIL THE ECLIPSE BEGINS IN INDIANAPOLIS! βοΈπ
1:39 p.m.
REMINDER: Please don’t drive with your eclipse glasses on.
1:37 p.m.
We just captured this lucky shot of a jet zipping across the sun on our eclipse cam. You never know what you’ll see sometimes βοΈβοΈ
1:25 p.m.
K-9 Echo from Plainfield Police Department isn’t the only one prepped for the eclipse! Here’s K-9 Boone from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reminding everyone to have a great eclipse!
(Or, to translate to dog: Bork woof woof bark).
1:16 p.m.
Traffic update: There are significant slowdowns on I-65 southbound coming in to Indy from Chicago and Lafayette.
1:14 p.m.
Listen to a musical preview of the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band performing at IMS ahead of the eclipse. πΆ
Purdue Marching Band performs at IMS at the Total Solar Eclipse Event
(WISH Video/Dominique Moon)
1:12 p.m.
Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine said in a post on X that rest stops along Indiana interstates in the path of totality are at or near capacity.
The rest parks will be closed once they are full, INDOT says.
1:04 p.m.
Plainfield Police K-9 Echo is ready for the eclipse. Don’t forget your glasses today, whereever you’re watching the eclipse!
12:51 p.m.
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has confirmed the eclipse has started crossing the east-central Pacific ocean.
12:50 p.m
T-MINUS 1 HOUR UNTIL THE ECLIPSE BEGINS IN INDIANA! βοΈπ
12:47 p.m.
Eclipse gazers are beginning to fill in Conner Prairie, setting their telescopes and their eyes to the sky.
12:40 p.m.
(WISH Photo)
12:24 p.m.
Here’s another look at that IMS traffic…π¬
12:22 p.m.
News 8 anchor Phil Sanchez has taken over coverage for all things happening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (look at how long that line is)!
12:08 p.m.
The hot air balloon at Conner Prairie is off the ground!
12 p.m.
Solar eclipse: Recapping the lead-up to totality
Hoosiers playing Connect Four at White River State Park before the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. (WISH PHOTO/Jeff Clayton)
11:43 a.m.
We’re starting to a bit of a traffic slowdown from travelers coming out of Louisville and Chicago.
11:34 a.m.
News 8’s Adam Pinsker is live in at IU Bloomington talking with Hannah Skibba with the IU Police Department, who says the school is expecting a crowd of over 300,000 in Bloomington today.
Watching the solar eclipse in Bloomington
11:33 a.m.
Charlie Walker, a former astronaut, spoke with News 8’s Brittany Noble during Daybreak to share facts about the eclipse.
Former NASA astronaut shares facts about the eclipse
11:31 a.m.
Our digital wizards at News 8 just set up a GoPro on the station’s roof to record a timelapse of the eclipse. Fingers crossed we catch some good shots. π€π€π€
11:30 a.m.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, along with several NASA officials, spoke Monday morning about the big day for the eclipse at IMS.
Gov. Holcomb, NASA officials talk about big day at IMS
11:27 a.m.
Look at that crowd at IMS!
11 a.m.
The News 8 solar eclipse cam is up and running! 
You can catch every moment of today’s eclipse in our stream on Facebook.
10:55 a.m.
We’re spotting a little bit of a traffic slowdown on I-65 around Lafayette and Dayton.
10:53 a.m.
Full steam ahead! The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band has arrived at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
10:51 a.m.
Traffic on the highways is smooth, it seems. Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine posted on X that interstates in and around Indy are flowing smoothly, and officers will continue to monitor traffic conditions as the day goes on.
10:42 a.m.
Here’s a sneak peek of the eclipse action at Conner Prairie.
10:23 a.m.
10:22 a.m.
Even sterling silver trophies need some protection from the sun.
10:03 a.m.
The gates have opened White River State Park, and guests are starting to wander their way in.
10 a.m.
Do you know when the last total solar eclipse to cross Indiana was? Do you know when the next one is? Storm Track 8’s Ryan Morse has that answer for you:
9:53 a.m.
Crowds are starting to pick up at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!
9:47 a.m.
Indianapolis is still gearing up for the Greatest Spectacle in…Space? News 8’s Hanna Mordoh and Marcus Bailey are, at least!
9:39 a.m.
Traffic by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is running a little…slow.
Be sure to stay in the traffic with WISH-TV’s traffic map!
9:10 a.m.
8:50 a.m.
Heading to IMS? Might want to start a timer to see how long you’re waiting in line. I-Team 8 reporter Kody Fisher spotted this line on his way to the track this morning.
IMS asks guests to ‘plan ahead’ for eclipse day at the track
Those heading to IMS for their eclipse’s viewing destination are asked to plan ahead.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway shared in a release a few pointers for guests on Monday so they can have the best viewing experience at the IMS.
- Eclipse glasses: Glasses will be handed out by IMS staff to everyone at the event. There will also be plenty of extras available for pickup at the Pagoda.
- Card only: IMS is a cashless facility. Tap-to-pay, debit, and credit will be accepted.
- Coolers: Guests can bring one cooler and one backpack per person. Coolers larger than 18 inches long by 15 inches high by 15 inches wide will not be permitted.
- Telescopes: Telescopes will only be allowed on the viewing mounds.
- Tickets: Tickets for IMS’ Total Solar Eclipse Event are available for purchase on their website or by walking up to the gates.
- Gates & Parking: Gates 2, 3, and 6 are open. Free parking will be available in Lots 2, 3G, 3P, and Main Gate. Guests using rideshare can be dropped off and picked up at 3P.
Need additional info? Visit the IMS’ website.
8:46 a.m.
Purdue Pete has arrived at the IMS (we’re curious if he brought his eclipse glasses).
7:58 a.m.
Weather update! Storm Track 8’s Ryan Morse says while clouds have cleared out for Monday morning, thin, wispy clouds will return for the afternoon.
7:50 a.m.
IndyGo is preparing for the eclipse! The company’s also encouraging the public to ride transit to and from their eclipse destinations on Monday to save themselves the traffic frustration and the search for parking.
7:39 a.m.
Still a little worried about traveling through Indy today? Here are a few safety tips from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
7:19 a.m.
It’s looking like clear skies at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this morning!
(WISH Photo/Hanna Mordoh)
7:07 a.m.
Hernan & Visit Indy’s Morgan Snyder at WRSP
5:30 a.m.
News 8’s Hernan Gutierrez and News 8 photographer Jeff Clayton are posted up at White River State Park for the total solar eclipse. Seems like a pretty quiet morning so far.
4:23 a.m.
News 8’s Hanna Mordoh and Storm Track 8’s Marcus Bailey were live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as crews make their final touches preparing for the total solar eclipse.
Hanna & Marcus talk about IMS events
