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Solar Eclipse of Sun by the Moon. 3d rendering

A 3-D rendering of a solar eclipse of the Sun by the Moon.


What is a total solar eclipse? A total solar eclipse is when the moon is directly between the Sun and Earth creating an umbra shadow on our planet. This will be the first total solar eclipse in Illinois since Aug. 1, 1869. The last coast-to-coast solar eclipse was in 1918 and Illinois only witness a partial eclipse within the penumbra shadow.

Astronomers inform us that it typically takes 375 years for a single location on earth to experience a total solar eclipse, thus making Southern Illinois even more unique with a second total solar eclipse seven years later. The estimated number of visitors arriving in Southern Illinois to view this peak lifetime event is estimated to reach over 100,000 travelers.

On Aug. 21 this eclipse will travel across the United States. In Illinois, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across the state in totality in just 3 minutes 43 seconds at a speed of 1,452 mph. Beginning on the coastal shores of Oregon, crossing the following 14 states and ending in the Atlantic Ocean off the shore of South Carolina at an estimate of 70 miles wide.

1. Oregon

2. Idaho

3. Montana

4. Wyoming

5. Nebraska

6. Kansas

7. Iowa

8. Missouri

9. Illinois

10. Kentucky

11. Tennessee

12. Georgia

13. North Carolina

14. South Carolina

The actual time of this major attraction enters Illinois partially at 1:17 p.m., totality occurs at 1:20 p.m., and leaves as a partial by 1:27 p.m. CDT on Aug 21.

Carbondale is only a few miles north from the point of greatest duration.

The greatest duration will only last for a mere 2 minutes and 41.6 seconds in Makanda.

We want this to be a great experience for everyone, so please be respectful to nearby businesses and residents. Do not park or congregate in places that would inhibit anyone else from enjoying the show.

During this time the local weather patterns include:

• Temperatures around the highs of the 90s

• High potential for unobstructed views

• Humidity

• A sudden decrease in temperatures during the darkness of the eclipse.

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