The 2024 total solar eclipse is expected to be visible, at least in part, in Illinois and the Chicago area, but will you be able to see it and for how long?
While parts of the state are in the coveted path to totality on April 8, meaning they will see the sun completely covered by the moon for several minutes, Chicago and its surrounding suburbs will still experience an estimated totality of 94%. This number is greater than the 2017 eclipse and even all partial eclipses expected in the near future.
Parts of southern Illinois and central Indiana will be in the zone of totality.
However, weather and cloud cover can impact what exactly you see and when.
So how long will this last and what might you actually see?
According to Roman, early forecasts on Tuesday indicated that the April 8 eclipse could see rain and thick clouds.
It should be noted, however, that forecasts this far out are not as reliable and conditions could still change before the event.
According to the National Weather Service’s most recent forecasts, storms are possible throughout much of the path of totality. Some of these storms could even become violent.
Southern Illinois appears to be on track for potential rain and thunderstorms since Tuesday. Across Illinois, cloud cover forecasts showed 30-40% coverage in the forecast.
The NWS also notes, however, that skywatchers should “expect forecasts to change” and continually check.
The rare astronomical phenomenon is occurring across a large swath of the United States, marking what NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said could be “the largest solar eclipse of our lifetime in the United States.”
According to NASA scientists, a total solar eclipse occurs when the new moon crosses the path of the sun in the sky, partially blocking then almost completely the view of the sun.
In Carbondale, the largest Illinois city included in the route, totality will begin around 1:59 p.m.
Assuming clear skies, astronomers will be able to observe the eclipse unaided, with dark skies and the famous flaming “crown” at the edges of the moon.
This period will only last a few minutes. Totality is expected to end around 2:03 p.m. as the eclipse follows a diagonal line over Fairfeld and exits at Mount Carmel, according to state officials.
If you’re in the Chicago area and can’t see the eclipse in its entirety, there is a glimmer of hope. The partial eclipse will be visible for a little while longer.
For areas outside the path of totality, it will not be safe to view the eclipse without glasses or other tools.
Here’s a city-by-city breakdown of what to expect and when, based on time and date.
Dawn
Start of partial eclipse: 12:50:22
Maximum eclipse: 14:06:37
End of partial eclipse: 15:21:07
Chicago
Start of partial eclipse: 12:51:28
Maximum eclipse: 14:07:41
End of partial eclipse: 15:22:02
DeKalb
Start of partial eclipse: 12:50:03
Maximum eclipse: 14:06:09
End of partial eclipse: 15:20:36
Evanston
Start of partial eclipse: 12:51:38
Maximum eclipse: 14:07:45
End of partial eclipse: 3:22:00 p.m.
Fox Lake
Start of partial eclipse: 12:51:29
Maximum eclipse: 14:07:20
End of partial eclipse: 15:21:26
Lombard
Start of partial eclipse: 12:50:57
Maximum eclipse: 14:07:09
End of partial eclipse: 15:21:33
Orland Park
Start of partial eclipse: 12:50:48
Maximum eclipse: 14:07:10
End of partial eclipse: 15:21:42
Plainfield
Start of partial eclipse: 12:50:19
Maximum eclipse: 14:06:39
End of partial eclipse: 15:21:14
Schaumburg
Start of partial eclipse: 12:51:05
Maximum eclipse: 14:07:10
End of partial eclipse: 15:21:29
Wheaton
Start of partial eclipse: 12:50:48
Maximum eclipse: 2:07:00 p.m.
End of partial eclipse: 3:21:25 p.m.
(Check your city here)
For those looking to go down the path of totality, here is a list of cities in Illinois that fall into this category, according to the Illinois DNR:
Carbondale
Totality begins: 13:59:15
Maximum eclipse: 14:01:20
End of totality: 14:03:25
Makanda
Totality begins: 13:59:09
Maximum eclipse: 14:01:14
Complete end: 14:03:19
Alto Pass
Totality begins: 13:58:56
Maximum eclipse: 14:01:01
Complete end: 14:03:06
Fairfield
Totality begins: 14:01:19
Maximum eclipse: 14:03:21
End of totality: 14:05:23
Olney
Totality begins: 14:02:12
Maximum eclipse: 14:04:07
Complete end: 14:06:03
Golconda
Totality begins: 14:00:39
Maximum eclipse: 14:02:04
Complete end: 2:03:30 p.m.
Effingham
Totality begins: 14:03:25
Maximum eclipse: 14:03:49
Complete end: 14:04:13
Mount Vernon
Start of totality: 2:00:35 p.m.
Maximum eclipse: 14:02:28
End of totality: 14:04:20
Marion
Totality begins: 14:01:53
Maximum eclipse: 14:03:54
Complete end: 14:05:56
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