Solar eclipse events across Chicago and Illinois
The partial solar eclipse will occur in Chicago from 12:51 p.m. to 3:22 p.m. CDT. It is at its maximum coverage—when 94% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon as seen from Chicago—at 2:07 p.m. CDT.
Here are some events to view the spectacle:
Earth and Space Center, Triton College, 2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove
The college's Earth and Space Center has the second-largest planetarium in Illinois, and officials started getting ready at the beginning of March, with shows already running not only on the eclipse and its impact but also on how eclipses have been viewed historically.
9:30 a.m. The Cernan Center's Box Office and Star Store will open to sell Planetarium tickets ($4-$8) and eclipse glasses.
Noon-3:30 p.m. Telescopes with full aperture solar filters and various indirect viewing methods will be provided.
Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
The Adler will have activities outside the planetarium where attendees will be encouraged to observe the eclipse. Tickets are not required
The staff there will provide:
- Safe solar viewing through telescopes on the Telescope Terrace.
- Telescopes for solar projection and eclipse photography.
- Free solar viewer giveaways (while supplies last).
Pullman National Historical Park, 610 East 111th Street, Chicago
Join National Park rangers and a NASA ambassador to learn about and view the eclipse from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. There will be snacks and a limited number of solar safety glasses available.
Chicago Public Library
Several library branches will have viewing events. Check their website for locations.
Crossroads Eclipse Festival, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale will see 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality for eclipse 2024, nearly double what was seen in 2017. The two eclipse paths form an intersection just south of the SIU campus around Cedar Lake.
Twice in a Lifetime Solar Eclipse, Chester, Illinois
View the eclipse along the bank of the Mississippi River. The official riverfront viewing site opens at 9 a.m. Cole Memorial Park and Cohen Recreation Complex will also have viewing parties with music and food.
The Ryder Family Farm 167 State Highway 146 East, Golconda, Illinois
The Ryder Family Farm, in Golconda, Illinois, will offer a 4-course "Farm Dinner. Enjoy appetizers and beverages, view the eclipse, enjoy the farm ambiance, and sit down for a French-based Farm Dinner.
Tickets are $220, $199 for children 12 and under. Starts at noon.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4780, West 16th Street, Indianapolis
NASA will broadcast live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while real-life astronauts and NASA experts will be on hand. Presented by Purdue University, the day's non-stop programming starts with track bus tours, a STEM symposium, a balloon launch, and Indy car demo laps. After the eclipse, visitors can linger for autographs from astronauts and professional drivers.