Total Solar Eclipse: How Much We’ll See In Orland Park, When To See It

ORLAND PARK, IL — Excitement is building in Orland Park for the April 8 total solar eclipse. We’re not among some 32 million Americans living in the path of totality, but neither will we miss out on the celestial sensation.

In the United States, the path of totality extends from Texas to Maine, but each of the 48 continental states will see some of the solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon slips between our bright star and Earth. In Plainfield, the moon will cover about 94.3 percent of the sun at the peak of the eclipse, according to a NASA map that is searchable by ZIP code.

Here are the details:

• Partial eclipse begins: 12:51 p.m.
• Totality begins: 1:33 p.m.
• Maximum: 2:07 p.m.
• Totality ends: 2:40 p.m.
• Partial ends: 3:21 p.m.

Right now, it looks like we could have an 100 percent chance of rain and a high of 49 degrees for the big event.

• Related: You Must Protect Your Eyes, Regardless Of Eclipse Totality: What You Need

The total solar eclipse starts in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as small parts of Tennessee and Michigan, before entering Canada in southern Ontario through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton before exiting continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

• Related: April 8 Solar Eclipse Will Dim IL Skies; How Will Zoo Animals Respond?

LOCAL PLACES TO WATCH

Lake Katherine Nature Center, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights

Enjoy learning all about solar eclipses through activities and discussion, ending with watching the partial eclipse of the sun. 12:30 to 2 p.m. $10. Registration required.

Hickory Creek Preserve, 20400 Wolf Rd., Mokena

Solar-bration: Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties are scheduled for 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Hickory Creek Preserve, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete Township and Whalon Lake in Naperville.

The free, all-ages programs are timed to coincide with the total solar eclipse that will pass through Illinois. A total solar eclipse will not occur again in the United States until 2044. The first 50 attendees at each program will receive free viewing glasses to safely view the event. The party will also include eclipse activities, marshmallow toasting and a roaring fire. If it is cloudy or rainy, the viewing parties will not be held. Attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets.