Where is the closest city to Milwaukee to view the 2024 total solar eclipse?
For the first time since 2017, a total solar eclipse will be visible in portions of the United States.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the "Great American Eclipse" will turn day to night for a few brief minutes of darkness as the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along a 115-mile-wide, southwest-to-northeast path across the continent.
Millions of people in 13 states stretching from Texas to Maine will be under the "path of totality" and able to view the total solar eclipse. The rest of the United States will experience a partial solar eclipse.
Like in 2017, tourists living in partial eclipse areas will travel en masse to cities on the path of totality to fully experience this uncommon astronomical event. (The next time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the U.S. is in 2044, NASA says).
Milwaukee and Wisconsin are not on the path of totality but will see a partial eclipse. But don't worry, the path of totality is only a few-hours drive away. Wisconsinites can head south to Illinois and Indiana to witness totality.
More: How long will the solar eclipse darkness last in your city? Explore these interactive maps.
When is the solar eclipse in Milwaukee?
Like much of the country, Milwaukee is not under the path of totality but will experience a partial solar eclipse on April 8.
The peak of the eclipse will occur at 2:08:10 p.m. in Milwaukee, according to USA Today.
The eclipse will begin at 12:53:00 p.m., and it will reach 50% of the maximum coverage at 1:33:50 p.m. After peaking at 2:08:10 p.m., 50% of the maximum coverage will again be visible at 2:42:20 p.m. The eclipse will end in Milwaukee at 3:21:50 p.m.
What is the closest city from Milwaukee to drive to see the full solar eclipse?
Of the hundreds of cities and towns on the path of totality, it's hard to say with absolute certainty which is the closest to Milwaukee. However, one of the closest is Sheridan, Indiana. The small Indiana town of about 3,000 people is a four-hour drive from Milwaukee and around 265 miles away.
Indianapolis is the closest major city Milwaukeeans can drive to on the path of totality. Indiana's capital city is about a four-hour and 15-minute drive from Milwaukee, or around 280 miles.
Here's a map of the larger cities on the path of totality and the duration of totality they'll experience:
Solar eclipse events in Indianapolis
Indianapolis, the self-proclaimed "Eclipse Capital of the Midwest," will see the total solar eclipse for 3 minutes and 46 seconds on April 8 at 3:06 p.m.
Indy is hosting multiple exciting events for visitors looking to catch the eclipse, including:
Eclipse viewing from White River State Park: Beginning April 8 at 11 a.m., you can celebrate the eclipse from White River State Park with free eclipse glasses, yoga classes, a performance by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, over 20 food trucks and a "signature food competition." More information can be found here.
NASA at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Enjoy the eclipse from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The speedway is one of just a few NASA broadcast locations throughout the country. NASA experts will be available to answer questions about the eclipse. Educational STEM opportunities, exclusive merchandise, and programming centered around racing and space discovery will be available throughout the day. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Conner Prairie eclipse event in Fishers: Celebrate the eclipse from the Conner Prairie festival grounds in Fishers, Ind. with live music and dance performances, including a themed light and shadow show by the dance group UZIMA. Former NASA astronaut Mark Brown and district scientist-in-residence at MSD Wayne Township Rick Crosslin will share facts and experiences about the eclipse and living and working in space. More information here.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Eclipse Extravaganza: Eclipse activities begin at 10 a.m. at the Children's Museum and include giveaways, activities and festivities. Free eclipse glasses are available while supplies last. More information here.
Find more Indianapolis-area eclipse events here.
More: A total solar eclipse in April will cross 13 US states: Which ones are on the path?
When will the solar eclipse happen in Wisconsin?
Use this map and zoom in to determine when your city will see the peak total or partial solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.
Note: Zoom in and click on the map below to see where and when the total solar eclipse will peak in your area. For example, if you click on Milwaukee, you'll see the peak time will be at 2:08:10 p.m. on April 8.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Where is the closest city to Milwaukee to view total solar eclipse?
