Watch Tom Skilling’s reaction as solar eclipse reaches totality

MAKANDA, Ill. — Former WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling is taking a quick break from his retirement for the 2024 solar eclipse.

Skilling, along with an entire WGN News team, are on site in Makanda, Illinois — about five hours south of Chicago — for Monday’s celestial extravaganza.

It is the same location where Skilling emotionally watched the eclipse back in 2017.

The former chief meteorologist had yet another opportunity to witness the natural phenomena on Monday, along with a crowd of excited spectators.

What you need to know about Monday’s solar eclipse

Earlier Monday, the WGN Morning News crew checked in with Skilling, who gave us a tour of his home away from home for the next day — which consists of an RV, camp fire and porta potty. Check out Skilling’s campground tour in the player below.

For Chicagoland, the partial eclipse began at about 12:51 p.m., with a maximum eclipse of 94.6% at 2:07. The partial eclipse ended at 3:22.

In areas south that are in the path of totality, such as Carbondale, a 100% eclipse occurred.

Solar eclipse day is here! And Chicagoland weather conditions are looking nice

Check out WGN’s Eclipse 2024 page for everything you need to know about Monday’s solar eclipse.

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