We all have those ‘Where were you when’ memories. For some it may be, ‘Where were you when man first walked on the moon?’ or others ‘Where were you on September 11, 2001?’ Although not nearly as globally significant many of us remember the answer to the question, ‘Where were you when you first experienced a solar eclipse?’
We take it for granted that whether or not we see it, the sun is above us in the sky each and every day. Clouds may obscure our view, but we know that the sun is there shining bright. This star influences our planet in several key ways. It determines our seasons, influences the climate, drives our weather patterns and assists in controlling the ocean currents. All living plants are dependent upon the sun and could not survive without it.
On April 8, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun resulting in a total solar eclipse. This total solar eclipse will take place across portions of the United States, Mexico and Canada. This will be the last total solar eclipse that some of us see as the next one will not be until the year 2044. For this column Jayette Bolinski, director of communications for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will help us to prepare for this rare event.
Jayette, thank you for your time and expertise.
How has the Illinois Department of Natural Resources been preparing for the solar eclipse?
IDNR staff are excited to welcome guests to the more than 30 state parks that are in the path of totality. Our parks’ staff have been hard at work making sure campgrounds are ready for visitors, that signage is posted, that plenty of garbage cans and portable toilets are available, and that people know where to safely park and view the eclipse.
State parks are ready to welcome thousands of campers from across the country who have already reserved campsites in our parks. We expect camping reservations will continue to increase between now and April 8.
Conservation police officers are prepared to handle all types of possible emergencies on land and water and will be ready to assist other police agencies as needed across the region. We’re also reminding park visitors that April 8 marks the first morning of the spring turkey season and that hunters and eclipse viewers should be mindful and courteous of each other.
We expect April 8 to be busy and exciting for all, but our collective goal is to ensure residents and visitors have a safe and successful viewing experience in southern Illinois.
What should our readers do in preparation for the solar eclipse?
The number one thing people who plan to watch the eclipse from southern Illinois can plan to do is have patience. There will be thousands of additional visitors in the region, which means traffic may move slower than usual.
Officials are urging people to come to southern Illinois a day or two early and stay until the next day to help cut down on congestion on the highways. Extending your stay means more time to explore Illinois state parks and historic sites, museums, wineries, and other attractions in southern Illinois.
Be sure to make lodging plans in advance. There are still hotel rooms and campsites available throughout southern Illinois. Visit enjoyillinois.com and search for eclipse to find a 2024 Illinois Solar Eclipse Guide. There, you’ll find a schedule of activities and other useful information.
What steps should viewers take to protect themselves during the solar eclipse?
Be sure to secure a pair of safe solar viewing glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Never look at the sun without proper eye protection. Standard sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing the sun. And do not attempt to drive while using solar viewers.
In addition, eclipse watchers headed to southern Illinois should plan to have on hand plenty of water, snacks, any needed prescription medication, and a full tank of gas in case they get stuck in traffic for any significant period of time.
Where will the eclipse be visible in Illinois?
Carbondale – the eclipse crossroads of America – is on the centerline of the path of totality. People who view from there will see 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality, nearly double what was seen from Carbondale in 2017.
The eclipse path of totality will cross over most of southern Illinois. To view a map and total viewing times at state parks, visit IDNR’s eclipse website: dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/totalsolareclipse.html
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the entire country, including the rest of Illinois that isn’t in the path of totality.
I believe the total solar eclipse will be visible at over 30 Illinois State Parks. How do our readers make a reservation to stay at a state park during this time?
We encourage campers to visit exploremoreil.com, which is IDNR’s website for camping reservations. People can choose a park and see what types of campsites area available to reserve. Campsites are available for a nominal fee, and admission to all Illinois state parks is free.
Can you tell us about a few of the state parks that have reservations available?
One site I would encourage everyone to consider is the World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta in Randolph County. This site is in the path of totality. It has more than 1,000 campsites, more than 3,700 paved parking spots, and it’s a fairly flat and open site, so eclipse watchers there will have a really spectacular view of the eclipse and the 360-degree sunset effect.
What resources are available to our readers that want to learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse?
— Southern Illinois University eclipse site
— Illinois Department of Natural Resources eclipse site
— Illinois Department of Transportation eclipse site
— Enjoy Illinois (Illinois Tourism Office) eclipse site
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc.,a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
