LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The total solar eclipse in Indiana generated more than $148 million for the local economy.
According to a new study from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, millions of people descended on the state for the celestial event.
IMAGES | Eclipse beads, sunspots and totality pics from the Louisville Astronomical Society
Amazing pictures of the Great American Eclipse from April 8!
Image of the April 8, 2024 eclipse showing beginning beads and prominences. Courtesy Ronnie Yates and John Turack, Louisville Astronomical Society
“Indiana was a prime destination for the 2024 total solar eclipse,” Indiana’s Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said in a news release. “Every part of our state experienced 100% or 90% totality, allowing everyone to witness this incredible event.”
A large portion of Indiana was in totality during April’s solar eclipse, which lasted up to four minutes and six seconds. The full span of the eclipse was more than 2.5 hours throughout the state of Indiana.
It will be another 21 years before the U.S. sees another total solar eclipse on this scale. The path of totality — approximately 115 miles wide — encompassed several major cities this time, including Dallas; Indianapolis; Cleveland; Buffalo, New York; and Montreal.
WDRB's viewing spot was at the airport in Seymour, Indiana, which was in the path of totality. Hours before the celestial spectacle, the crowds were growing at sites across southern Indiana.
WDRB's Hannah Strong and Marc Weinberg describe the moments around the peak of the eclipse.
Officials estimate that the state welcomed more than 3.5 million people during the eclipse. That provided a more than 40 percent boost to regular visitor spending.
With the increase in economic impact, various types of businesses also saw an increase in revenue, including:
Lodging: $45 million
Food and beverage: $63.8 million
Recreation and entertainment: $65 million
Transportation: $9.7 million
Retail: $5.4 million
IDDC officials said the state capitalized on the unique event with local communities hosting events and businesses coordinating efforts to attract visitors.
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