Solar Eclipse 2024

For the Charleston area the solar eclipse will be a partial eclipse at 99.99% at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and 99.87% in Charleston, which will provide a spectacular show.

For those who will not be able to travel to the path of totality or want to avoid the crowds and traffic, there are two viewing events to choose from, one on Eastern Illinois University's campus at the University Observatory and another at the Visitor Center at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Both sites will offer glasses for viewing (while supplies last), telescopes, pin-hole camera making, refreshments, and volunteers with expertise. Do not look at the sun without proper eye protection!
The viewing event at Lincoln Log Cabin will feature the food truck, The Music Stop, with artisan sandwiches and drinks.
At EIU- The public is welcome. Recommended parking is at the Eastern Illinois University W Lot on 4th Street.

The Time and Date website offers excellent information on the exact timing and how the eclipse will appear at your location.

Want to learn more? EIU's Physics Department is sponsoring the following presentations..

Eclipse Speaker Series | EIU's Booth Library Room 4440 | Mondays at 4:00 pm
These are open to the public and should be at a level for the general public to enjoy. Come and discover the excitement of Astronomy and Eclipses!

February 19: Dr. Jake Crandall, “Volcanoes on Mars and Venus: Geological Investigations of our Neighbor Planets”

February 26: Dr. Jim Conwell, “Eclipse: Critical Test of General Relativity”

March 4: Mr. Dave Linton, “Chasing the Shadow: The Total Solar Eclipse

March 11: Dr. Don Pakey, “Eclipse Science”

March 18 - Spring break – no talk

March 25: Ms. Jenny Chi, “Eclipse Art”

April 1: Dr. Derek Hennig, “Eclipse Safety”