Solar Eclipse 2017: Adler Planetarium's Chicago Watch Party Draws Thousands

CHICAGO, IL — It's not every day — or even every decade — that a total solar eclipse is visible in the United States. And the time is even longer for Chicagoans to witness such a celestial event. That's why thousands gathered at the Adler Planetarium and the lakefront for a block party, Chicago's Eclipse Fest, to view the total solar eclipse Monday, even though the skies above the city were overcast.

Despite less-than-ideal conditions, the free celebration gave sky-watchers an opportunity to watch the eclipse with others, and the planetarium also will offer educational activities, interactive science projects and live entertainment. Solar viewing glasses were given out, too, but they were gone fast.

Adler's block party began at 9:30 a.m. and will run until 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at the planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr. The moon will begin blocking the sun at around 11:54 a.m. in Chicago, and 87 percent of the sun will be covered — the peak for the city — by 1:19 p.m., according to the Adler. This is the first time in more than 90 years Chicago has been this close to a total solar eclipse, the planetarium added. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

For may who turned out, the Adler's block party was a chance to experience a rare event. That's why Samellia Allen, of Chicago, came with her kids, Ivy, 6, and Isiah, 10. She also saw the eclipse as a teaching moment of sorts, using it as a way for her son ad daughter to learn more about science.

Other attendees, however, embraced the social aspects of the party.

"Look at all these people!" Abraham Regendia, 19, said, pointing the huge swaths of people lining the Lake Michigan Shore and the Adler's campus. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

Along with its on-campus activities, the Adler held a "satellite party" at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., in the Loop. That event began at 11:30 a.m.

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The viewing party wasn't fun and games for everyone. Some people, like Ben Stover, of Chicago, had to work the event, even if his work was to mingle with the crowds dressed as an Imperial Stormtrooper from "Star Wars." Stover was one of about seven members of the 501st Legion, Midwest Garrison, who were invited to the party by the Adler. The legion is a group of fans — the Midwest Garrison draws from across Illinois, Stover said — who attend various events dressed up as Stormtroopers and other characters from the movie franchise.

Even though he was swamped with selfie and other photo requests, Stover said the planetarium had provided the legion members with glasses so they could view the total eclipse, too.

Naturally, the total solar eclipse was the main focus of the Adler's viewing party, but the planetarium scheduled a variety of other indoor and outdoor activities. Attendees could check out "Chasing Eclipses," the planetarium's newest exhibit and a good primer for the real thing, as well as watch NASA's live feed from cities experiencing the eclipse in totality. The Adler's regular sky shows also were reduced price.

Other block party activities included:

• telescope viewing and a selfie station
• a "Mad Science" live stage show, "Ask an Astronomer!" FAQ sessions and eclipse trivia throughout the day
• music by Jim & the Povolos, DJ Lani Love and DJ Chess Hubbard
• solar car races and other solar science demonstrations
• a giant Jenga game, jumbo bounce house, gladiator obstacle course and other carnival games.

And if you're wondering when the next total solar eclipse will roll around again, mark your calendar for April 8. Of 2024.

Chicago's Eclipse Fest

When: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21

Where: Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Other locations: The planetarium also will be sponsoring a "satellite party" at 11:30 a.m. at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.

More info: Go to the Adler Planetarium website for more information about Chicago's Eclipse Fest and a list of partner viewing locations.

Sky-watchers viewed the total solar eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, at the Adler Planetarium. (Photos Joe Vince)

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