Indiana Eclipse Experience

A picture of people watching a total solar eclipse. And an invitation to join us on April 8th for the eclipse from Noon to 4:30PM
Free to the Public at Holcomb Observatory, Join us for our Eclipse Viewing Experience. From Noon to 4:30 PM on April 8th.

Join us for an unforgettable experience.

Come to Butler University’s campus for this ECLIPSE VIEWING EXPERIENCE as we celebrate this extraordinary FREE event together.

Once again we are proud to be Indiana’s premier astronomy destination in the lead-up to and during the eagerly anticipated major event. On the day of the eclipse, weather permitting, we are excited to unveil our Eclipse Viewing Experience, a spectacular extravaganza offering a wide array of thrilling eclipse activities.

In the weeks leading up to the eclipse, we will provide an array of public programs to prepare you for this celestial phenomenon.

On the day of the eclipse, you can expect:

  • More than a dozen telescopes, all equipped with solar filters for safe observation.
  • Opportunities to safely witness solar activity, including sunspots.
  • The availability of eclipse glasses to ensure your viewing safety while supplies last. $2 each limit 10 pair, cash or credit, please. Purchases can be made at the door on Saturday and Sunday from 12-9PM and Monday beginning at 10AM.
  • The presence of many scientific experts who will be on hand to answer your questions and guide you through the eclipse.
  • Our eclipse veterans will provide guidance via a sound system, on useful information during the eclipse and understanding its essential elements.
  • Engaging demonstrations showcasing various safe eclipse observation techniques.
  • Fascinating planetarium shows (From now up to the day of the eclipse)
  • A live stream of the eclipse.
  • NSF / National Center for Atmospheric Research solar scientists will be present with demonstrations and collecting data on the solar corona during the eclipse, as part of a community science project funded by the NSF and NASA.
  • Music will be played throughout the event.
  • Food trucks from Bon Appetit and Byrnes Grilled Pizza will be available at the event.
  • Chatham Tap restaurant (at the Sunset Avenue parking garage) will be open for lunch beginning at 11AM.
  • Free parking available at the Sunset Avenue parking garage and Hinkle Fieldhouse.
  • For those Visitors with an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) license plate, state ADA placard/hangtag, or an Indiana Disabled Veteran license plate may utilize any available ADA parking spot on the University. Lake Road and Garden Road will be closed to all vehicles. You must, however, be the driver of the vehicle or be the passenger. The placard/hang tag must also be valid (not expired) and be visible. Not doing so could result in a citation.
  • For those who will arrive on campus in larger vehicles, such as busses or large vans, that will NOT fit in our parking garage, please email Holcomb Observatory in advance to ensure that parking will be available.

For further accessibility information or to request disability-related accommodations, please visit butler.edu/event-accommodations.

Furthermore, we are proud to have a team of scientific experts and seasoned veterans of previous total solar eclipses on hand. They will be here to enlighten you about the eclipse, provide valuable insights on what to watch for as totality approaches, and offer guidance throughout the entire event, from its inception to its conclusion.

Although we are several months away from this remarkable celestial occurrence, Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is committed to delivering educational programming and events dedicated to this eclipse. These offerings will commence well in advance of the total eclipse and continue on the day of the event itself. Be sure to explore our current lineup of eclipse programming to equip yourself for what promises to be the Super Bowl of astronomical events.

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we celebrate this extraordinary event together.

* Protective eyewear needed for partial portion of the eclipse.  The above times (EDT) are for Butler University in Indianapolis, IN.  Determine times for your location.  Eclipse glasses can be purchased at the observatory during our public weekend hours at a cost of $2 per pair from now until the day of the eclipse while supplies last..