In the rejuvenating nature of Noble County, an entirely new world comes alive at night, and it is waiting to be explored! When you head out at night to stargaze, take your family or friends with you, let your eyes adjust to the wonder above, and enjoy a fantastic night.
2024 Solar Eclipse Basics For Stargazers
Are you a budding stargazer preparing for the 2024 total eclipse, on April 8th? While we are not in the area of Eclipse Totality, Noble County has clear skies and great opportunities to go stargazing and solar eclipse spectating. Here is our insider advice! If you’re still looking for the perfect place to enjoy the upcoming eclipse, consider Chain O’Lakes State Park. to view the event safely. While Chain O’Lakes isn’t within the path of totality or the path of total darkness, it will experience 99.2% darkness.
To commemorate the eclipse, the park has created a unique “Total (Solar) Eclipse of the Chain” sticker, which includes facts about the eclipse for the area. In addition to this, guests can also purchase eclipse glasses to safely view the event.
International Astronomy Day is celebrated twice yearly, close to the first quarter moon of spring and fall — on May 15th and October 9th this year. We couldn't be more thrilled to enjoy this day by doing various space-related activities. Don't have a telescope? That's okay! Autumn is one of the best times to see the Milky Way, even without binoculars or other tools!
Whether looking to the night sky this Spring or Autumn, here are three tips to make your experience memorable here in Noble County, Indiana.
Tip #1 Download some stargazing apps!
These allow you to hold your phone up to the sky for recognition and help you pinpoint cool constellations.
Tip # 2 Choose an Ideal Location in Nature
Visit Noble County has you covered; we have selected several places where you can "catch a falling star and put it in your pocket"... or at least view and appreciate the wonder of dark sky nights here in Noble County.
Bixler Lake Park & Campground in Kendallville, Indiana
Chain O' Lakes State Park in Albion, Indiana (Sand Lake or the Stanley One-room School House)
Eagle Lake or Dimond Lake near Ligonier, Indiana.
Gene Stratton Porter State Historic Site, Rome City, Indiana.
Mid America Windmill Museum, Kendallville, Indiana
Wolf Lake public boat launch in Wolf Lake, Indiana.
Getting farther from population centers is critical, but other factors can enhance your stargazing. Being at a higher altitude helps too.
Tip # 3 Bring some tools with you to help
Binoculars
Camera
Smart Phone
Telescope
Blankets
Hot tea, coffee, or cocoa
Discover the mesmerizing beauty of the night sky and immerse yourself in a breathtaking stargazing experience. Witness the stars in all their glory in the peaceful and tranquil environment of Noble County.