Local events for viewing Monday's solar eclipse

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Several events are planned for Monday in Michiana celebrating the solar eclipse. Local schools have been planning for the eclipse for weeks as educators see this as a great hands-on learning experience.

Most schools in have some type of activity planned for Monday.

Elkhart Community Schools says all teachers have been encouraged to show a live stream of the eclipse in their classrooms. Several teachers have planned other activities, from classroom discussions to outside viewing of the eclipse.

All Elkhart schools will allow excused absences for students to watch the eclipse at home. The student’s parents just need to contact the school.

South Bend Community Schools will also excuse students Monday with a note from a parent. Students who do attend school will receive eclipse glasses.

Indiana University South Bend has also made plans for the eclipse. Two telescopes will be on campus for viewing the eclipse in different ways. There will also be informational activities about the eclipse.

Other viewing parties in the community include St Joseph Public Library’s viewing party. The activities start at noon inside the Colfax Auditorium with NASA’s live stream, then move outside to watch the eclipse with games and ice cream.

The library will give glasses on a first come first served basis.

Twelve state parks in Indiana, including Potato Creek will also host eclipse viewing parties. Those parks and times can be found below. 

All times are local:

• Charlestown: 12:30 - 4 p.m.
• Clifty Falls: 2 - 3 p.m.
• Falls of the Ohio: Noon - 4 p.m.
• Harmonie: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Monroe Lake: Noon - 2:30 p.m.
• Patoka Lake: 12:30 - 3 p.m.
• Pokagon: 1 - 4 p.m.
• Potato Creek: 1 - 4 p.m.
• Prophetstown: 12:30 - 3 p.m.
• Shakamak: Noon - 3:30 p.m.
• Spring Mill: 1 - 3 p.m.
• Whitewater Memorial: 1 - 3:30 p.m.