solar eclipse
Image courtesy of www.eclipse2017.org

Mark your calendars for Aug. 21, 2017. That’s the date when a total solar eclipse will be coming to the U.S., and some Illinois residents will have a front-row seat for the show.

The southern portion of the state, including Murphysboro, Makanda, Carbondale and Marion offers prime viewing locations for the eclipse in totality. There are other areas of the state, such as Evansville, Mt. Vernon and Springfield, that will see a partial eclipse, but make sure to wear eye protection!

Illinois is also the best spot to be to see the greatest duration of the eclipse. Head to Shawnee National Forest and at a specific point within the park, you’ll be able to see 2 minutes and 44 seconds of totality.

Campsite reservations are now available at several Southern Illinois State Parks as well as the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. Visit www.ReserveAmerica.com to reserve your campsite for the event. State Parks that have sites reserved include Dixon Springs State Park, Fort Massac State Park, Giant City State Park and several more.

Find more information on the eclipse and where you can view it in totality here, see events in Carbondale surrounding the eclipse, and visit Southern Illinois University’s eclipse website.

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