Adler Planetarium hosts thousands for solar eclipse viewing

Michael Johnson
·2 min read

CHICAGO — Chicago wasn’t in the path of totality, but the city did experience a near total eclipse and thousands watched from the lakefront at the Adler Planetarium.

They were already showing up before noon struck, full of excitement.

Those in the Chicago area saw about 94% of the sun covered at the peak of the eclipse.

With clear skies on a 70 degree day, there were near perfect conditions to see a near total eclipse. And, while it wasn’t for a view of the total eclipse, many told us it was totally worth it.

What you need to know about Monday’s solar eclipse

“When an eclipse like this happens, you can actually see that in the sky,” said Andrew Johnston, vice president of Adler Planetarium. “That’s one of the exciting things. You actually look up and see the moon covering the sun and almost get a feeling for how the universe works.”

Monday’s solar eclipse is the second one to be seen in Illinois in seven years, but the next big one won’t happen for two decades. And the next one that will be visible in Chicago won’t be until 2099.

That’s why eclipse spectator Dr. Latreese Hall said it was perfectly OK to take kids out of school and bring them to Adler Planetarium on Monday.

“School is very important, but we had to keep them out of school today, because this is an historical event,” Hall said. “… I think that it’s really important to make good memories of this day.”

Adler Planetarium officials are expecting a crowd of 10,000 or more later Monday for a solar eclipse viewing party.

Watch: WGN’s Special Coverage of the Solar Eclipse

Carrie Gault and her daughter, Katelyn, of Yorkville were among those waiting to view the eclipse at Adler Planetarium.

“This is my first eclipse,” said Katelyn, also taking off from school for the event. “I was a little younger when I saw my other one.

“I really want to be able to see it. It’s just such a unique event. I’m really excited. … I’m expecting it to look really, really pretty. I can’t wait to see it.”

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