CARBONDALE, Ill. (WAND) — Southern Illinois is prepared once again to experience darkness during the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to southern Illinois for the event. William Lo, executive director of Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, told WAND News businesses are embracing the rare celestial event.
"I'm excited about having tons of people come into our community, eating in our restaurants, shopping in our stores, and seeing what Carbondale has to offer."
Related Links
- WAND's Total Solar Eclipse page
- Get your WAND solar eclipse glasses while supplies last
- University of Illinois Springfield to host eclipse watch party
- Fill up your gas tank and prepare to wait. Some tips to prepare for April's total solar eclipse
All weekend events will take place in southern Illinois. At Southern Illinois University organizers have put together family-friendly events for people of all ages.
"We saw this 2017 and we're seeing it 2024. There are very few universities in the path of both eclipses," said Bob Baer, 2024 steering committee co-chair for the eclipse.
While fun events will happen on campus, Baer said the eclipse is also a great opportunity for people to do research.
"We have NASA projects here and we will go all out on these events."
The events start in Carbondale on April 5 and include arts and crafts, educational opportunities, and music. Click here to read more.
Copyright 2024. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
