Springfield Illinois readies up for total solar eclipse

For the second time in less than seven years, a total solar eclipse will be visible in a swath of Illinois.

The path of the April 8 eclipse again will include Carbondale, which is gearing up for a large viewing party at Southern Illinois University's Saluki Stadium.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun, momentarily turning day into night for those in the path of its shadow.

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Springfield will have 96-97% coverage, according to John Martin, an associate professor of astronomy/physics at the University of Illinois Springfield.

A total eclipse in these parts: How and where to watch the April 8 solar phenomenon

What you'll see based on your zip code

Most Americans will be able to see it in some form, but the distance between your location and the path of totality will determine how much of the sun will be covered by the moon. Many places in the U.S. − Rochester, N.Y., Cleveland, and Austin, Texas, to name a few − will see a total eclipse, in which the sun is completely obscured. Other locations will see a partial eclipse. Search for your ZIP code below or select a major city to reveal the time, duration, peak and percentage of the eclipse in your area.

Check your zip code: Use this handy online viewing guide for what you'll see

Make sure you have the proper glasses for viewing

Before staring up into the black hole sun, you’ll need glasses to protect your eyesight as it takes only seconds of focus on the eclipse to cause permanent damage to your eyes and potential loss of vision.

Don’t attempt to use regular sunglasses—they won’t work. Eclipse glasses have a solar filter built into them to give protection against the sun’s harmful rays during eclipses.

Mylar-based eclipse glasses need to meet ISO standards and according to Sky and Telescope, due to certain dealers and websites selling non-compliant glasses, it’s important to purchase from reputable manufacturers so the glasses actually work. 

Solar eclipse eyewear: Where can I find safe glasses in Springfield? We have you covered

Eclipsing expectations: Why experts say this celestial event might make you gasp

Samantha Reif said going to a place that offers totality is like seeing your favorite band live or a play in the theatre.

"Yes, this is something you can watch (on a recording later)," she said. "But you can't feel the temperature change and you can't notice the birds going to roost. There are sensory feelings you can't get from a video.

"As soon as it went to totality (last time), you could hear people gasping."

Eclipsing expectations: Why experts say this celestial event might make you gasp

A community under stars: 4 places to enjoy the eclipse in the Springfield area

Want to watch the solar eclipse with friends but finding that list of contacts dry? Or maybe you’re looking to make new friends who have similar interests—like experiencing the rare solar phenomena happening on April 8.

Across Illinois, groups are preparing to celebrate the eclipse, including in Springfield.

Here’s the places to go to experience the solar eclipse with the rest of the community.:

Viewing spots: 4 places to enjoy the eclipse in the Springfield area

For some, the total solar eclipse is 'twice-in-a-lifetime experience'

Caitlin Darling of Springfield said she cried viewing the total solar eclipse in southern Illinois in 2017.

"It really was the coolest thing," Darling recalled. "I could use a good cry again. I'm sure I'm going to love it one way or another."

Darling, along with her husband, Mike, and daughters, Olivia, 17, and Vivien, 12, are again making the trek to southern Illinois, this time to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area bordering Rend Lake, for Monday's eclipse.

Josh Witkowski of Springfield viewed the 2017 eclipse in Chester, Illinois, and plans to return to southern Illinois Monday.

He called that experience "absolutely awe-inspiring."

"Seeing stars in the mid-afternoon is surreal enough," said Witkowski, a lobbyist. "It was pretty wild."

Twice is nice: For some, total solar eclipse is 'twice-in-a-lifetime experience'

The day finally arrives. Glasses at the ready!!

The solar eclipse arrived in Illinois as expected at 2:05 p.m. Monday.

Rockford was not in the path of totality for eclipse viewing, but plenty of people from the Rockford area were.

Many more viewed the eclipse from Rockford where 91% of the sun was blocked by the moon during the much-anticipated celestial event.

'An awesome site': 'An awesome site': Around Illinois, viewers enjoy sensation of the solar eclipse

Let's take a look at who's taking a look

Here's some pics: Photos of people taking in the eclipse in the Springfield area

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Springfield, Illinois in the path of the April 8 total solar eclipse