Mark your calendar: Total solar eclipse to grace the sky in April
For the second time in seven years, southern Illinois will experience “totality.” Chicago-area residents will have a great view too.
By Lynnea Domienik
Mark your calendar: Total solar eclipse to grace the sky in April
For the second time in seven years, southern Illinois will experience “totality.” Chicago-area residents will have a great view too.
By Lynnea DomienikMillions of people will be able to view the total solar eclipse as it passes over Canada, the U.S. and Mexico on April 8.
The next total solar eclipse passing over the contiguous U.S. won’t be until 2044, and that will only be in a few states.
The path of totality originates in Mexico and cuts diagonally across the U.S. starting in Texas, going up through southern Illinois, Indiana, and on towards New York and Maine.
A partial eclipse will be visible in the Chicago area.
Block out 12:51 - 3:22 p.m. Central Time on April 8. The eclipse will peak in Chicago at 2:07 p.m. The event will last just over four minutes.
How to view the partial solar eclipse in Chicagoland
The partial eclipse will be visible from anywhere in the area, says Tom Auchter, member of Northwest Suburban Astronomers. But make sure you don’t have an obstructed view of the sky.
It will look sort of like a phantom shadow, says Ashley Walker, founder of Black in Astro. It might feel odd, even eerie at first as the light dims, cautions Geza Gyuk, director of astronomy at Adler Planetarium.
Glasses will enhance the viewing experience and are necessary to avoid irreversible eye damage.
Adler Planetarium will be hosting a free viewing party, as will the Museum of Science and Industry, in collaboration with Black in Astro.
The Northwest Suburban Astronomer club has a contingent heading to Vincennes, Indiana.
Getting ready for ‘totality’
You can see a total solar eclipse a few hours from Chicago, in Bloomington, Carbondale, Indianapolis and other locations. Experts recommend making your travel plans now, as hotels in the path of totality are filling up fast.
Prepare for a drop in temperature. During totality in 2017, Auchter remembers it going from summer temperatures to freezing.
Another stunning feature? You’ll see what appears to be a sunset in the middle of the day. “It’s magical, like a land of mystery,” Gyuk says.
GUESTS: Geza Gyuk, director of Astronomy, Adler Planetarium
Ashley Walker, founder Black in Astro, third year astronomy PhD student, Howard University
Tom Auchter, member, Northwest Suburban Astronomers