Preparing for the April 8th 2024 Total Eclipse

​Once a month Little Rivers Wetlands Project hosts a community forum, Breakfast on the Marsh. The forum usually takes plac at Wesleyan University Fort Wayne on the border of Eagle Marsh. The presentations focus on the environment, nature, or related policies or projects. On March 14th, 2024, the presentation was very timely. Laura and Neil Ainslie from the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society spoke on the upcoming Total Eclipse.  
 
This is not the first time that the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society and LRWP have collaborated. Last fall they gave a presentation, at night, at the LRWP Arrowhead Preserve. Afterwards they demonstrated the use of their various telescopes. As Laura likes to point out, there are two paths to an interest in astronomy. One path is through science, the other through nature. That night at Arrowhead it was both.
 
As stated, the presentation focused on the upcoming  April 8th, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. The presentation included where the line of totality is. It addressed what to expect as it occurs (some flower species closing, temperatures dropping, skies dramatically changing}. Laura described the four phases of the eclipse.  She presented various equipment for viewing the sky. She described exercises that viewers could do to better appreciate the phenomena of a total eclipse.
 
Neil prepared the audience for what to expect should they chose to go view the eclipse at the line of totality. This would result in large concentrations of people. So, he says be prepared for the phone service to go down. Be prepared to the internet to go down. Bring cash so if you need to buy something at the store you are prepared in the event they cannot process credit and debit cards. Make sure your car gas tank is full. Neil stressed being patient, arriving early and preparing to leave late. He also suggests you bring food and water.
 
Despite all these preparations Laura was clear, a total eclipse is a rare and wonderful event that should not be missed. To make sure that does not happen she recommends planning your trip in advance, Print out your directions. Pack food and water. Pay attention to the local weather, especially degrees of cloudiness. Finally, when you make it to your site make sure to talk to people. You are surrounded by people who are as excited by this once in a lifetime event as you are, Share the excitement.

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