IU South Bend is getting ready for the cosmic light show on April 8.

The total solar eclipse is an uncommon event, and Indiana being in the path of the shadow’s journey gives us a rare opportunity to see it. But if you don’t want to fight the traffic to be in the path of totality downstate, what can you expect in the Michiana area?

Dr. Henry Scott from IUSB’s Department of Physics and Astronomy says while our view won’t be a total eclipse, it’ll be close. He says our area will be noticeably darker, and possibly cooler, during our partial eclipse view. South Bend will experience the view over about 2 1/2 hours, starting at 1:53 pm, peaking at 3:09, and ending at 4:23.

Dr. Scott says it will NOT be safe to look at with the naked eye at any point, so make sure you get the appropriate glasses.

Oh…and if you miss it, the next one isn’t expected in the Continental U.S. for another 20 years.