Illinois Will be at the Epicenter of This Summer’s Total Solar Eclipse

A major celestial event is coming this summer and Illinois will be at the center of all the action.Mark down the date of Aug 21, 2017 and make your hotel reservations now, because we will be treated to a rare a total (not partial) eclipse of the sun, right here in Illinois. However, you will need to travel to the southern end of the state to get the most dramatic effect.

You'll get a pretty decent view if you travel to Carbondale, but according to the University of Illinois, the absolute best place in the world to observe the eclipse will be in Goreville, IL because of the long duration you can experience. Here is the path of travel for the eclipse and the timing.

It is estimated that the eclipse totality, the time the sun is fully covered by the moon, will last approximately 2 minutes and 35 seconds in Carbondale.

SIU in Carbondale has announced it will be hosting viewing parties for this once in a lifetime event, get details HERE.

GreatAmericanEclipse.com says that Illinois will have bragging rights for the longest duration of the total solar eclipse along the entire path.