(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Are you ready? With the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse fast approaching, anyone who’s hoping to enjoy the rare astronomical phenomenon should act soon to get prepared for Monday’s show in the sky.
Whether you’ve already booked your stay along the path of totality or still need to pick up your solar eclipse glasses — we’ve got you covered with the details you’ll need to enjoy the eclipse safely. Given that another total solar eclipse won’t be visible in the contiguous United States for over 20 years, we think it’s worth the extra preparation.
Read on for our full 2024 solar eclipse guide, and be sure to check back for the most up-to-date weather forecasts.
What is a solar eclipse?
According to the Adler Planetarium, a solar eclipse is a celestial phenomenon that happens when the sun, the moon and Earth align, and the moon temporarily blocks the sun’s light. There are three types of eclipses: partial, total and annular. When the moon somewhat covers the sun, it’s a partial eclipse. When the moon completely covers the sun — like it will on April 8 — it’s a total eclipse.
This solar eclipse will be discernable across most of North America. Whether it’s a partial or total solar eclipse will depend on your location.
When will the solar eclipse occur?
A partial eclipse will start in Chicago at 12:51 p.m. and last until 3:22 p.m., the planetarium says. Its peak, when 94% of the sun will be covered by the moon, will be at 2:07 p.m.
The total solar eclipse, which will only be visible in southern Illinois and parts of central Illinois, will be visible in Illinois shortly after 1:50 p.m. It will hit Carbondale at 1:59 p.m., and it will cross the Illinois border into Indiana at 2:01 p.m.
Where can I see the solar eclipse?
A partial eclipse will be visible throughout the Chicago area. The planetarium says there are several cities in southern Illinois that will be in the path of a total eclipse. They include Carbondale, Mount Vernon, Mount Carmel and Metropolis. Indiana, Missouri and Ohio are other Midwest states that will be in the path of totality. Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and Maine are also in that path. To view the eclipse path, click here.
How might the weather affect the solar eclipse?
Even if it’s overcast or rainy, AccuWeather says you will still be able to see the eclipse. It just won’t be as impressive. Forecasting for clouds on Monday is complex, according to AccuWeather, because the cloud forecast has to be precisely predicted for the four-minute interval when the moon totally blocks out the sun.
How should you view the solar eclipse?
The planetarium says proper solar viewing equipment is required to safely view the solar eclipse. Ordinary sunglasses or homemade filters should not be used to see the eclipse. Irreversible eye damage can happen in seconds if the proper viewing equipment is not used, the planetarium says.
Certified solar viewing glasses or pinhole projectors are the recommended options. The latter can be made by putting a small hole in any material (think: a piece of cardboard) and projecting the sun’s shadow onto the ground. By looking at the ground, you can see a projection of the solar eclipse.
Where do I find solar eclipse glasses?
Given that faulty equipment can lead to irreversible eye damage in a matter of seconds, making sure you have proper solar eclipse glasses is a must. Fortunately, there are multiple opportunities for Chicagoans to pick up eclipse glasses free of charge:
-Adler Planetarium: The planetarium will give away free glasses during its Eclipse Encounter ’24 event, which takes place on April 8. Find more information here.
-Chicago Public Library, Budlong Woods location: On April 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Budlong Woods Chicago Public Library location will give away solar eclipse glasses provided by the Adler Planetarium.
-Chicago Public Library, Legler Regional location: On April 8, from 12:30 – 3 p.m., the Chicago Public Library’s Legler Regional location will host a solar eclipse viewing event. It will provide free solar eclipse glasses.
-Warby Parker stores: Starting April 1, Warby Parker is giving away free, ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses from all of its stores. Find your closest location here.
-MyEyeDr. stores: Available now, participating MeEyeDr. locations in Illinois and all over the country are giving away free, ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses. Find your closest location here.
Jeni’s Ice Creams is also giving away safe-to-use solar eclipse glasses through April 3, but only with the purchase of its punk stargonaut collection, which costs $65.
Where can I stay to watch the solar eclipse?
According to WBBM’s survey of hotels located within the path of totality, many hotels are already booked.
There were some hotels and motels with availability — a Holiday Motel in Olney, Ill., for example, had about two dozen rooms available last week — but be prepared to pay a premium. A Red Roof Inn in Vincennes, Ind., was charging $700 per night for eclipse accommodations.
When is the next total solar eclipse?
It’ll be some time before a total solar eclipse returns to the United States. According to greatamericaneclipse.com, the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will take place on March 30, 2033 — but it will only be visible in northwestern Alaska.
For those who live in the lower 48 states, NASA said the next total solar eclipse will take place on Aug. 23, 2044.
Can my pets watch the solar eclipse?
According to Dr. Rena Carlson, the president of the Schaumburg-based American Veterinary Medical Association, most dogs and cats won’t be bothered by the eclipse. Animals can experience a great deal of stress, though, if they are taken away from their homes and exposed to groups of people who are excited or anxious about the eclipse.
In other words: Leave Fido at home, and they’ll be fine.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok