Digging details of nature and the total solar eclipse

Details and tidbits keep coming of the natural world and the total solar eclipse.

“At eclipse max, I noticed a tulip that was open in the a.m. was closed, then, within the next two hours, it opened again,” Ken Nieminski emailed.

From Park Bait at Montrose Harbor, Stacey Greene-Fenlon texted, “The eclipse was interesting. Not sure if it made fish more active but they were biting.”

John Cuculich of Naperville drove more than five hours to Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area for the solar eclipse. I visited there the day before. It was already filling with campers.

“Most people would wonder why I would drive over five hours to view a three-minute event,” he emailed. “All I can say is there is a huge difference between seeing an eclipse and seeing an eclipse in totality. An eclipse is pretty boring. An eclipse in totality is at a whole ‘nother level.”

Totally agree.

He added, “Humblebrag: I made the lens filter out of two pieces of welder’s glass from the hardware store.”

The photo at the top came from Jacob Podner, a student in the Restoration Ecology class from Lewis and Clark Community College. I met him during the eclipse at War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary near Golconda. He diligently photographed the entire event.

His sequence is worth a full view.

Jacob Podner (jp.podner@gmail.com)

More Solar Eclipse 2024 Coverage

Environment

Sky high: Solar eclipse ‘holiday’ sparks exhilaration and emotions across Chicago, southern Illinois

With sunny skies and a high of 71 degrees, students, workers and families across Chicago took a break from their daily routines to marvel at the partial eclipse. Tinley Park resident made the trip downstate to view the total eclipse. “I don’t know how to describe it other than just the word ‘wow,’” King said.

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Transportation

Heavy traffic fails to cast shadow over eclipse travel experience: 'It was 100% worth the trip'

A few hours after the total eclipse brought thousands of spectators to downstate Illinois, traffic remained heavy on some interstates.

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Outdoors

Nature dared not disappoint as southern Illinois experiences its second recent solar eclipse

As darkness descended Monday in the path of totality, the air cooled, a bullfrog hummed a bass line and birds of all kinds called out to mark the occasion.

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White Sox

Some, but not all, White Sox take in spectacular total eclipse

The eclipse was the thing — the Sox were the guests — for the Guardians’ home opener.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Live updates from Chicago and beyond

On Monday afternoon, a total solar eclipse will halt the day in its tracks as millions of people tilt their heads to the sky. Follow updates on the eclipse, traffic impacts and reactions from residents.

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News

Want to see the solar eclipse in Chicago? Here's what to know, where to go

The Chicago area will experience a partial eclipse on April 8. Downstate, Carbondale will be in the path of totality, in which the view of the moon completely blocks the sun, for the second time in 10 years.

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News

Stars align for clear skies in Chicago for Monday's solar eclipse

Monday’s forecast for Chicago is “looking to be really good,” the National Weather Service said, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 66 degrees. Downstate Carbondale, in the eclipse’s path of totality, should have good visibility as well, meteorologists said.

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Technology

Use these tips to photograph the eclipse and avoid damaging your phone or camera

Most phone cameras automatically adjust exposure, making eclipse photography difficult with only 4 minutes. Taking more test shots in the days before the eclipse will save time.

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Columnists

Skip the eclipse (or don't)

With the media chorus urging you in close harmony to ogle Monday’s solar eclipse, here’s some rare official permission to ignore the whole thing.

By Neil Steinberg

 

Nation/World

From Krispy Kreme to SunChips, more and more companies roll out total solar eclipse promotions

The doughnut maker will partner with Oreo on an eclipse-themed product. Delta and Southwest airlines are offering flights in the path of totality, and a special MoonPie will be on shelves.

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News

Chicago-area solar eclipse hunters plan trek south to take in totality: ‘You have to experience it’

An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people are expected to descend on southern Illinois, where the eclipse’s path of totality will pass early Monday afternoon. Southern Illinois University is holding a four-day party.

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Environment

Warby Parker offering free solar eclipse-viewing glasses

The glasses will be available at all Warby Parker locations while supplies last starting Monday until the day of the eclipse April 8.

By Emmanuel Camarillo

 

Health

Staring at solar eclipse can damage your eyes for months if you don't use protection, Chicago doctors say

Doctors say looking at the April 8 eclipse without approved solar glasses — which are many times darker than sunglasses — can lead to retinal burns and can result in blind spots and permanent vision loss.

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White Sox

Solar eclipse aligned for White Sox at Guardians home opener

The White Sox are the Cleveland Guardians’ guests for their home opener at Progressive Field on April 8, which means the visitors will have front-row seats for a rare phenomenon — a total solar eclipse.

By Daryl Van Schouwen

 

News

Cloudy skies in Chicago area could impede view of the solar eclipse

A storm is expected to move from the southern Rockies to the Midwest Sunday and may leave some lingering clouds Monday.

By Cindy Hernandez