Illinois Experiences a Total Solar Eclipse Sooner Than You Think

On August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse covered the southern tip of Illinois, and where I was posted up at the time in Springfield, Illinois, there was nearly a total eclipse.

Now we are preparing for another total solar eclipse that will pass over portions of Illinois and bring a once-in-a-400-year experience to the Land of Lincoln.

When is the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Happening?

According to NASA, the total solar eclipse will pass over North America on Monday, April 8, 2024.

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We are less than a couple of months away from the rare experience of viewing a total solar eclipse which happens "in any given place" every 360 to 410 years and will slide across portions of Illinois again

Where will the Total Solar Eclipse last longest in Illinois?

NASA has a map that shows where to view a TOTAL Lunar Eclipse when it passes across the United States, and according to its path, portions of southern Illinois will be right in the sweet spot to see a Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.

The northernmost location in Illinois to view a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, would be Effingham.

Carbondale, Illinois will be at the epicenter of the total solar eclipse next year with approximately 4 minutes of twilight as the total solar eclipse

State Fairgrounds Registering for Eclipse Weekend Camping

The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds is within 20 miles of the total eclipse path and is offering online camping registration for the weekend of the event.

According to the press release from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, prices for  The Eclipse Weekend package is $100 for a four-night stay, Fri., April 5 through Tues., April 9, at a 50’ x 20’ campsite.