UIS announces eclipse watch party

Danny Connolly
·1 min read

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Several places across the country are holding watch parties for the eclipse next month, including in Central Illinois.

While Springfield won’t witness the total eclipse, the sun is projected to be approximately 96% obscured by the moon at 2:02 p.m., offering an exciting celestial spectacle for Central Illinois. The University of Illinois Springfield will host an eclipse watch party on campus for the community to watch the astronomical delight.

Illinois prepares for large crowds ahead of solar eclipse next month

At the party, the UIS Astronomy Interest Group will have a solar telescope set up that will provide views of the sun in the partial stages before and after the eclipse.

Additionally, partygoers will have the opportunity to learn how to construct pin-hole cameras for safe viewing. Free eclipse glasses will also be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The party will take place from 1-3 p.m., Monday, April 8 at the UIS Student Union north patio.

The watch party is free and open to UIS students, faculty, staff and the public.

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