Solar Eclipse | Monday, April 8, 2024

2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When

Illinois astronomy professor Leslie Looney discusses the significance of solar eclipses and viewing tips for the upcoming total solar eclipse occurring April 8. Click here for the Illinois University's News Bureau's full article.

During an eclipse it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
When watching the partial phases of the solar eclipse directly with your eyes, which happens before and after totality, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times.
- Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker then regular sunglasses and ought to comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.
Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
- Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.
Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device.
Always supervise children using solar viewers.

Visit IDOT's website for updates on traffic for those heading South for a better view of the eclipse:

Crowds of 100,000 to 200,000 are expected to come to the prime viewing area in southern Illinois.
Interstate 57 is the direct interstate access to the path of totality. U.S. 45 runs through the middle of the path of totality. Illinois 1 and Interstates 64 and 70 will provide access to the area.
All roads in and out of the area are expected to have heavy congestion in the couple hours after the eclipse.
Any lane closures on state projects will be lifted throughout the weekend and the day after the eclipse.

If driving during the eclipse, ensure car headlights are on.
Don't ever take photos, videos, or wear "eclipse glasses" while driving.
Don't park along the shoulder of the road, highway, or interstate to watch the eclipse. Always exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic before viewing the eclipse.
Check travel conditions at Getting Around Illinois.