Whether you're along the direct path, going to downtown Chicago or experience this at home, there are so many ways to celebrate the solar eclipse for everyone.
Staying at Home
It's important to have proper eye protection, if you're planning to look up and see the solar eclipse. Sunglasses of any kind could do damage to your eyes, so make sure you get AAS-approved glasses. Science stores across Chicagoland carry them, but get early before they sell out. We got a pair at American Science & Surplus for under $3, they also say a variety of products to enhance the viewing experience. They're also hosting a viewing celebration from 12pm-3pm in their parking lot.
American Science & Surplus
27 N. Northwest Hwy.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Click here for more information
It's important to have proper eye protection, if you're planning to look up and see the solar eclipse. Sunglasses of any kind could do damage to your eyes, so make sure you get AAS-approved glasses. Science stores across Chicagoland carry them, but get early before they sell out. We got a pair at American Science & Surplus for under $3, they also say a variety of products to enhance the viewing experience. They're also hosting a viewing celebration from 12pm-3pm in their parking lot.
American Science & Surplus
27 N. Northwest Hwy.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Click here for more information
Adler Planetarium
This is really going to be the first place on everyone's mind when they think of space. Of course, Adler Planetarium is a world renowned museum and people should expect big crowds. Currently the only time slot left is 9am to enter, but of course, you won't need a ticket just to be around the museum campus. There is a free viewing party for guests outside the Adler, where you'll be given solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last), and get a few space-related experiences around Adler. Given the limited parking and the amount of people who want to be there, either get there early or plan to take public transportation.
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets
This is really going to be the first place on everyone's mind when they think of space. Of course, Adler Planetarium is a world renowned museum and people should expect big crowds. Currently the only time slot left is 9am to enter, but of course, you won't need a ticket just to be around the museum campus. There is a free viewing party for guests outside the Adler, where you'll be given solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last), and get a few space-related experiences around Adler. Given the limited parking and the amount of people who want to be there, either get there early or plan to take public transportation.
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets
360 Chicago
Experience the eclipse 94 stories in the area at 360 Chicago, the observation deck atop the 94th of the former Hancock Building Guests can experience the solar eclipse with unobstructed views from the observation deck’s floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic, 360-degree views 1,030 ft. above the Chicago skyline. Solar viewing glasses are included with a ticket purchase.
360 Chicago
875 N. Michigan
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets
Experience the eclipse 94 stories in the area at 360 Chicago, the observation deck atop the 94th of the former Hancock Building Guests can experience the solar eclipse with unobstructed views from the observation deck’s floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic, 360-degree views 1,030 ft. above the Chicago skyline. Solar viewing glasses are included with a ticket purchase.
360 Chicago
875 N. Michigan
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets
Road Trip around Illinois
Check out EnjoyIllinois.com guide for places to see the solar eclipse. The closest spot to Chicago with the center-line on the path is Carbondale. People in Carbondale will be able to experience 4 minutes 9 seconds of totality for this 2024 eclipse. This is double the time that we experience in 2017. The two eclipse paths form an intersection just south of the SIU Campus. A huge viewing party is taking place on SIU campus along with NASA representation on campus.
Click here for more information
Check out EnjoyIllinois.com guide for places to see the solar eclipse. The closest spot to Chicago with the center-line on the path is Carbondale. People in Carbondale will be able to experience 4 minutes 9 seconds of totality for this 2024 eclipse. This is double the time that we experience in 2017. The two eclipse paths form an intersection just south of the SIU Campus. A huge viewing party is taking place on SIU campus along with NASA representation on campus.
Click here for more information