For anyone willing to get up early, an annular solar eclipse will be visible as the Sun rises over Chicago. Chicago is on the far southern edge of visibility and the peak of the eclipse will have passed by the time this astronomical event is visible anywhere from Chicago, but it’s still worth viewing.
What’s an Annular Solar Eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in between the Earth and the Sun. As the Moon moves between the two it casts a shadow on Earth, blocking the Sun’s light, but not entirely.
In 2017 we witnessed a total solar eclipse which completely blocked the Sun’s light, but during an annular solar eclipse the Moon is further away so it appears smaller than the Sun does in the sky. This difference creates vastly different phases, namely the “ring of fire” and “solar horns”.
How to View the Annular Solar Eclipse from Chicago
The sun will rise at 5:18 a.m on Thursday the 10th, so make sure you are at your preferred viewing spot by sunrise to see as much of the eclipse as possible. Because the celestial event will be taking place at sunrise find a spot with a clear view of the horizon, preferably somewhere on high ground.
Look northeast from 5:19 until 5:39 a.m. to see the end of the eclipse as the Moon continues on its path and the face of the Sun is revealed. Some of the best viewing spots are right along the shores of Lake Michigan, looking north.
How to Safely View an Annular Solar Eclipse
Never look directly at the Sun, not even during the peak of an annular solar eclipse. To safely view tomorrow’s eclipse wear a pair of solar eclipse glasses or use solar viewing gear. Regular sunglasses are not the same as solar viewing gear or eclipse glasses and should not be used in place of safe solar viewing glasses.
If you do not have a pair of eclipse glasses you can still view the solar eclipse indirectly, with a pinhole projector. Learn how to make your own out of paper and aluminum foil at this NASA link.
