Aurora, Illinois – As excitement builds for the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, eager eclipse watchers across the United States are making plans to catch a glimpse of this rare celestial event. While some lucky communities in southern Illinois will witness a total solar eclipse, others like Chicago will only experience a partial eclipse with an estimated 94% totality.
According to NASA scientists, a total solar eclipse occurs when the new moon aligns with the path of the sun, causing it to be partially or completely blocked from view. In Carbondale, the largest Illinois city in the path of totality, the eclipse is expected to begin at 1:59 p.m. and end at 2:03 p.m., following a diagonal line over Fairfield and exiting at Mount Carmel.
For those in the Chicago area outside the path of totality, a partial eclipse will still be visible, but it is important to use proper eye protection to view the event safely. Time and Date provide a city-by-city breakdown of when the partial eclipse will begin, reach its maximum, and end in places like Aurora, Chicago, DeKalb, and more.
If you’re looking to experience the total solar eclipse in its full glory, several Illinois cities such as Carbondale, Makanda, and Fairfield will fall in the path of totality. The Illinois DNR offers a detailed list of cities where totality will occur and the corresponding times for when the eclipse will begin, reach its maximum, and end.
As anticipation grows for this celestial spectacle, many are gearing up to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event that will captivate viewers across the region. Whether you’re in the path of totality or watching a partial eclipse, the solar eclipse of 2024 promises to be a memorable and awe-inspiring experience for all who are lucky enough to witness it.