What you need to know about Monday’s solar eclipse
Preparations are underway across Illinois and the country ahead of Monday’s solar eclipse.
What is a solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the earth and the sun blocking sunlight. For those in the path of totality it creates total darkness for some brief moments. Unlike the last total solar eclipse in 2017, this one’s path of totality passes directly over several major cities across the country.
City and state leaders along the path preparing for hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Where is the Path of Totality?
The path of totality passing from the Southwest up through the Northeast. State leaders along the path expecting hundreds of thousands of tourists.
In Indiana a State of Emergency has been declared and police are advising travelers to pack emergency kits in their vehicles and warning of possible delays on the interstates between 4 to 6 hours.
In Ohio, state leaders are activating the emergency operations center. Officials from several state agencies will be on hand and the National Guard is set to be on standby throughout the weekend leading up to the event.
Can you use sunglasses to view the solar eclipse?
What part of the eclipse will I see in Illinois?
In Illinois the eclipse is set to be visible over about 128 miles of the state. The path of totality following a diagonal line from Carbondale to Mount Carmel in Southern Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Transportation says they are expecting up to 200,000 visitors in that area.
Carbondale, Illinois: ‘Eclipse Crossroads’ braces for second phenomenon in seven years
Experts say that if you don’t want to travel to the crowded path of totality, you can still experience the eclipse in a partial phase.
“The partial phases are going to spill over into almost everywhere in North America,” Marcia Dunn, AP Aerospace Writer, said. “So everyone is going to have a chance to see part, if not all, of the sun obscured on April 8th.”
Join WGN for Special Eclipse Coverage
On Monday April 8, WGN News will have special, extended coverage of the eclipse.
Our own Tom Skilling will be back to enjoy the rare celestial event and reporting from Southern Illinois again.
Best of Skilling: An emotional eclipse
Additionally, WGN’s Chief Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory will be live from Cleveland, Ohio. WGN’s Mike Janssen will also be reporting in the path of totality.
There will be reports from Chicago’s Adler Planetarium and from around the Chicago area.
Coverage begins just after the WGN Midday News on Monday at 1 p.m.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
