The first coast-to-coast solar eclipse, since 1918, will be traveling it’s way across the country on Monday, the 21st. Champaign-Urbana will see a 93% coverage of the sun, which will result in a thin “crescent sun” in the sky. To celebrate this rare occurrence, several organizaitons and establishments around the community will be hosting parties and viewings for the eclipse.
- First, Research Park will be hosting a viewing party that Monday from 1-2 p,m. They will be providing snacks, and the protective viewing glasses.
- Urbana Free Library will be hosting two parties on the 21st. The first will be a children’s party from 11:00-11:45 a.m, which will include stories, songs, and crafts all about the eclipse.
The second party, for the whole family, starts at 11:45 and runs until 2:45 and will be held outside where proper viewing glasses will be provided.
- Champaign Public Library is holding their party, Eclipse Magic!, starting at 12 pm. There will be games, food trucks, live music, and more. Viewing glasses will be provided.
Looking to see the total eclipse? Two groups will be heading south and hosting gatherings to see the full eclipse.
- Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society, is planning a weekend trip to Camp Ondessonk in Southern Illinois.
- University of Illinois Astronomers will be in Goreville, IL to view and educate on all things about the eclipse. The VIP passes are sold out but you can still drive down to Goreville for their public viewing to see and experience the eclipse with the astonomers.
If you’re still interested in the eclipse, but wish to view it from the comfort of your own home, NASA will have a live stream on their website running from 12-4 p.m.