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Total Solar Eclipse April 8th, 2024

By Amanda Wayman April 4, 2024

If you haven't heard by now, there is a total solar eclipse occuring next Monday, April 8th which will be visible across North America. My kids' school, in general, gets out early so totality will be happening pretty much at their dismissal time. Fingers crossed clouds won't be taking the excitement of the day away. 

Is your kids' school doing something special for this event, such as going outside to check it out (with eye protection of course!) or watching it live from their classrooms? Or is this a big event where you will be taking your kids out early to view it from somewhere? There are some viewing places in the area listed below!


Here's a site with a great educational video explaining the solar eclipse:

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/eclipse-snap/en/


The NASA site features an interactive map and a table showing the times partial and totality begins in the various locations alongs the path:

https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/


SAFETY FIRST!

DO NOT look at the Sun with no eye protection! Also DO NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer. Just because the sun is 'covered' does not mean those concentrated solar rays cannot get to your eyes. They can cause serious eye injury.


Free solar eclipse glasses can be found at the following places, while supplies last:

Public library near you (Huntley Public Library is currently out of them)

Warby Parker

Smoothie King (Free glasses with a purchase)

Sonic Drive-In


Total Eclipse Viewing Events


Dundee Library

Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center

Harper College