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Eclipses: IU experts available to comment

An annular eclipse, where the moon partially covers the sun, will cross the United States on Oct. 14, 2023. The event will be a precursor to a total eclipse on April 8, 2024, when several Indiana cities will be in the path of totality.

Those cities in the path of totality will experience roughly four minutes of darkness, revealing planets and stars that aren’t typically visible during the day. The natural phenomenon is also a massive tourism draw for communities along the path, and robust planning is underway across Indiana University’s campuses. 

IU experts are available to comment on what happens during partial and total eclipses and how the public can view the events safely.

For more information, contact Barbara Brosher at bbrosher@iu.edu or 812-855-1175, or Teresa Mackin at tmackin@iu.edu or 317-274-5432.

Patrick Motl
IU Kokomo

Patrick Motl

School of Sciences

Patrick Motl is a professor of physics and associate dean in the School of Sciences at IU Kokomo and director of the IU Kokomo Observatory. His research focuses on the study of compact objects through numerical simulations.

Expertise

Astronomy, physics, astrophysics, compact objects, neutron stars, white dwarves, black hole mergers.

Hin Cheung
IU Bloomington

Hin Cheung

IU School of Optometry

Dr. Hin Cheung is a clinical assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Optometry. He can speak about how to protect your eyes when it comes to viewing eclipses and how to find safe and legitimate eye protection.

Expertise

Eclipse eye safety, glaucoma, retinal imaging.

Catherine Pilachowski
IU Bloomington

Catherine Pilachowski

Department of Astronomy

Distinguished Professor Catherine Pilachowski holds the Daniel Kirkwood Chair in Astronomy at IU Bloomington, where she teaches and conducts research on the evolution of stars and the chemical history of the Milky Way galaxy from studies of chemical composition of stars and star clusters. 

Expertise

Astronomy, stellar compositions, star clusters, star formation, the origin of the elements in the Milky Way, stellar seismology.

Jessica Warren
IU Northwest

Jessica Warren

College of Arts and Sciences

Jessica Warren is a lecturer in physics and astronomy at Indiana University Northwest. Her current research interests are science (particularly physics) education and investigations of light pollution. She is also active in science outreach.

Expertise

General physics, astronomy.

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