Looking for the best solar eclipse view in Illinois? What to know about the April 8 eclipse

When the total eclipse of the sun occurs on April 8, 2024, parts of Illinois will be at the center of its path of totality, a roughly 115-mile-wide band from Mexico to the United States and Canada.

Within the U.S., the path will stretch from Texas to Maine.

During a total solar eclipse, the moon appears the same size as the sun and blocks the latter. The daytime darkness can last several minutes. The resulting "totality" — when observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, the corona — confuses animals, causing nighttime creatures to stir and birds and insects to fall silent, reports USA TODAY.

A swath of southern Illinois will be within the path of totality. Other parts of Illinois will experience a partial solar eclipse.

More: Illinois city once again in path of totality for the 'magic of a total solar eclipse'

Where is the path of totality 2024?

The largest Illinois city in the path of totality is Carbondale. Other cities in the path include Effingham, Marion and Mount Vernon. A full list of Illinois communities in the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse is available at eclipse2024.org.

In addition, 31 state parks and sites managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are in the eclipse’s path of totality.

What time is the eclipse in Illinois?

In downtown Carbondale, the eclipse will begin just before 2 p.m. April 8 and last for 4 minutes and 9 seconds.

What time will the eclipse happen?: 2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When

What are the best weather conditions for viewing an eclipse?

The best conditions for viewing an eclipse are when "there's nothing obscuring the sky" — including clouds — said Kate Shawkey, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Paducah, Kentucky, which serves southern Illinois.

Clouds, she said, "might block and obscure the view of the sun and its corona." The effect of the eclipse would be the same, she said, but wouldn't be as clearly seen.

What is the eclipse weather forecast in Illinois?

The Paducah branch of the NWS has created a climatology page for the April 8 eclipse. The normal high temperature for Carbondale on April 8 is 66. The normal low is 43. Since 1899, measurable rain has fallen on that date in 38% of years. Since 1979, April 8 afternoon cloud cover has averaged 50% or more in the Illinois portion of the 2024 path of totality.

Where can I stay in southern Illinois?

The website southernillinoiseclipse.com offers a list of places to stay in southern Illinois, including hotels and motels, bed-and-breakfast locations, private campsites and more. A list of state parks and natural areas in the path of totality that have campsites is available at dnr.illinois.gov. Some sites accept reservations, while others are first come, first served. Be forewarned that thousands of visitors are expected in the region April 8.

Related: 'Astonishing event': Peoria museum throwing a solar eclipse party

What events are planned in Illinois?

A list of events and festivals on and around April 8 is available at enjoyillinois.com/travel-illinois/your-2024-illinois-solar-eclipse-guide.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Solar eclipse 2024: Path of totality will cross southern Illinois