April 5, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

☀️ Total eclipse of the sun

A photo of the starry night sky at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

Views of the night sky go for miles at PARI. | Photo by Tim Reaves

We’re seeing stars. Between this year’s total solar eclipse, four supermoons, and a host of other happenings in the night sky, 2024 will be a great year for stargazing. Here’s what, how, and where to watch.

What’s on the horizon

Solstices + equinoxes

Let’s start simple: You don’t get to “watch” this astronomical event, but these dates mark the official start of the seasons.

Equinoxes are the two days a year when the sun passes directly over the equator, resulting in days and nights of almost equal length.

Fall (or autumnal) equinox | Sunday, Sept. 22 (aka the start of fall)

Solstices describe when parts of the world receive the most (and least) sunshine.

Summer solstice | Thursday, June 20 (aka the start of summer, and the longest day of the year)
Winter solstice | Saturday, Dec. 21 (aka the start of winter, and the shortest day of the year)

By the way — these seasonal descriptors only apply to the Northern Hemisphere: for the Southern Hemisphere, they’re flipped. That’s why you’ll see them referred to as the June solstice, March equinox, etc.

A map of the US showing the paths of totality for the 2023 and 2024 Total Solar Ecplipses, with description text by NASA. The yellow 2023 line crosses from Oregon through Texas, while the blue 2024 line crosses up from Texas through Maine. — These calculations are heavy duty — you’re looking for the blue line. | Photo via NASA

Total solar eclipse

An eclipse is any event where an astronomical body gets obscured, either by a shadow or by another body.

This year will see a total solar eclipse cross the US on Monday, April 8, as the moon completely blocks out the sun. This year, Indiana is one of five states that will get to experience the total solar eclipse.

Total solar eclipses only occur at the same spot once every 375 years and totality will last only four minutes. In Indy, the eclipse will become visible at 1:50 p.m. + totality will begin at 3:06 p.m. and last just over three minutes and 45 seconds.

To safely view the whole eclipse, invest in a pair of solar viewers. These will help you safely watch the partial eclipse, though during totality it’s safe to catch the spectacle with the naked eye.

Eclipses, equinoxes, auroras — oh my

Asked

How many meteor showers are visible across the world each year?

Hint: You have to go read the full article for the answer.

A. Only one
B. A few
C. Dozens
D. Hundreds

Test your celestial knowledge

Events

Friday, April 5

Spring Break Open Activities | Friday, April 5 | 2-4 p.m. | Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St., Indianapolis | Free | Join the Learning Curve for some spring break activities for kids.
Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | Friday, April 5 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $13+ | Cheer on the Pacers at one of the last few home games of the season as the team fights for a spot in the playoffs.

Saturday, April 6

Opening Day at The Suds | Saturday, April 6 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | The Suds, 350 Market Plaza, Greenwood | Cost of purchase | Visit this classic American drive-in restaurant on its opening day for the season.
Scenic Downtown Photo Walk | Saturday, April 6 | 2-4 p.m. | White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Free | Join Roberts Camera for a two-hour photo walk around White River State Park for some unusual views of our city’s skyline.
Put Me On The Aux | Saturday, April 6 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Commissary Barber & Barista, 304 E. New York St., Indianapolis | $5 | Check out this party for people who are looking to have a good time + enjoy some DJs who provide good vibes.

Sunday, April 7

Indianapolis Indians vs. Memphis Redbirds | Sunday, April 7 | 1:35 p.m. | Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis | $13+ | It’s Eclipse Weekend — enjoy kids eat free Sunday, plus an “Earth, Moon, and Sun” juggling set + eclipse glasses giveaway.

Monday, April 8

Picklipse Party | Monday, April 8 | 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | West Indy Racquet Club, 4458 Guion Rd., Indianapolis | $40 | Watch the eclipse from the pickleball court — enjoy food from Beast and drinks from Kismetic Beer, followed by an eclipse viewing party.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

Saks Fifth Avenue will close its location at The Fashion Mall at Keystone later this year, as part of the shopping center’s redevelopment plans. The project will be focused on the southeastern section of the property + will feature a “curated selection of highly sought-after retail brands,” dining and entertainment, an outdoor plaza, and new shopping space. (IBJ)

Coming Soon

Have you ever wanted to create your own perfume? Truly Fragrance Bar is getting ready to open Indy’s first fragrance bar at Clearwater Springs (4901 E. 82nd St., Ste. 600) where you can curate your own signature scent in a one-of-a-kind bottle to take home. It’s set to open in May.

Opening

Popular national chicken chain Raising Cane’s is getting ready to open another central Indiana location at 14909 Thatcher Lane in Carmel on Tuesday, May 14. Apply to one of its 100 job openings. (WTHR)

Community

This weekend (April 6-7) is Bank of America “Museums On Us” weekend, which provides Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders free general admission to more than 225 cultural attractions across the US — including Newfields + Conner Prairie.

Drink

Just peachy. Hi & Mighty announced its new Shake Up flavor for 2024 is peach. The canned cocktail is made with real peach juice + puree, zesty lemon, and of course Hi & Mighty gin. It will be hitting stores in mid-April, but you can join their email list to be the first to know when it’s available.

Feel Good

Some Hoosier soldiers who were stationed at a remote military base in Africa have been reunited with the puppies they helped rescue, thanks to a group called Paws of War. (WTHR)

Sports

Locked On podcast host Tony East breaks down how the Indiana Pacers fell short to the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night before diving in to the Eastern Conference standings.

Arts

Want to step into Salvador Dalí's world and experience a stunning three-dimensional display of surrealist art? Then you won’t want to miss THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Dalí Alive, an immersive experience of sight, sound, and color, at Newfields. Grab tickets.*

Fun Fact

The Indiana Grown label designates products truly from Indiana. With 2,000+ members encompassing the supply chain across farms, small businesses, markets, and restaurants, the initiative extends beyond just produce and livestock. Learn where else you can find the label.*

The Buy

Eco-friendly self-care options. Parrotfish has shampoo, conditioner, soap bars, and shower steamers that will level up your night in.

Answered

On Monday, we asked you if you’re a baseball fan. Here’s what you said:

Overhead shot of Victory Field during a game with the sun down

When was the last time you took part in America’s favorite pastime? | Photo by @indyindians

Baseball season is here, Hoosiers. The Indians’ home opener was Tuesday + today is the first Friday Fireworks game.

We broke down some fun themed nights that are coming up at Victory Field and wanted to know the chances of seeing some of our readers at a game — 84.2% of you said you will be going to an Indians game this season.

Several of you said you’re looking forward to Friday Fireworks the most, while some of you are also excited about Indy 500 Night, Bark in the Park, and “anything family night.”

Start making plans with the family with our season preview.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole

From the editor

Hi & Mighty’s Lemon Shake Up is a spiked version of the classic state fair drink and it’s really good. I also liked the Spiced Apple Sidekick. I’m a big fan of anything peach, so I’m excited to try this new drink. Hi & Mighty, if you’re reading this — any thoughts on making NA canned cocktails for zero proof girlies like myself?

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