April 8, 2024 is a very special day. The solar eclipse will yield totality across central Indiana around 3:06 p.m. The last time a total solar eclipse happened in this area was estimated to be 800 years ago in the year 1205.
Besides being a wonderous event to observe for thousands of people that will cause great excitement it is hard to conceive what ancient man thought of such an event that at that time was unexplainable. Have you ever thought how such an event might affect the animal and insect world? Many birds during totality will try to go to roost. After totality some varieties may break out into their morning song. What has happened is the bird’s internal clock has changed quickly. Some varieties of spiders will take down their webs simply to build them again when the eclipse is over. Night shift animals like bats may come out only to go back to roost soon after the event is over. Pets may become uneasy or restless. Take care that while we understand what is happening the pets do not. They may follow our pointing and looking up since they just know something different is happening. In following their owners gestures some researchers believe that pets can get eye damage by looking at the sun which would not normally happen in the everyday life of a pet. The sound of crickets may trumpet the welcoming of the total eclipse. Domestic chickens may head to the hen house as the sun disappears and the temperature quickly drops a few degrees. If you are a fisherman some researchers believe that fish are more likely to bite being fooled that evening is coming. Flowers themselves like evening primrose may start to close up for night. Nature is amazing!
Enjoy the eclipse and while doing so observe the world around you. It might also be a spectacular observation.
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