Eclipse Information

HSHS ST. ANTHONY'S MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HAS ANNOUNCED THEY HAVE NO MORE SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY GLASSES AVAILABLE. YOU CAN VIEW THE ECLIPSE AT THE HOSPITAL, AT EFFINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY OR ON THE NASA WEBSITE AT eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-live-stream. 

While we aren't in the Path of Totality, our area will be impacted by today's Solar Eclipse.

The eclipse will begin in our area at 11:53:10. The maximum will occur at 1:21:06, and it will end at 2:46:08.

Thousands have descended on southern Illinois. IDOT is restricting some traffic and has installed digital message boards to provide travelers with real time information on backups or delays. Ameren is adding extra staff in case anything happens to the energy grid. AT&T is boosting its network with temporary cell towers to ensure customers can share the moment with family and friends.

The last total solar eclipse seen coast to coast in the US was in 1918. People in Illinois can see the moon pass in front of the sun.

There is a 70-mile wide path across the country called the Path of Totality, which is when the sun will be completely blocked by the moon. Totality in Carbondale and the immediate surrounding area will last approximately two minutes and 40 seconds. Central and Northern Illinois will see varying degrees of the partial eclipse with decreasing magnitude further north. More information about the path of the eclipse and how long it will last can be found at www.eclipse.aas.org. 

Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the brief phase when the moon entirely eclipses the sun. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers.

If you're planning to spend the day outsideand turn the eclipse viewing into an event, keep in mind sun and heat safety.