On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse passed over North America and the path of totality swept over a portion of southern Illinois. For four minutes and two seconds, darkness fell over the Land of Lincoln and thousands of people collectively looked up at the rare astronomical event.
Because the city of Chicago would not experience totality, the Cosmic Chicago team headed down to Grayville, Illinois to view the eclipse from the banks of the Wabash River.
The sun, just as first contact was made during the total solar eclipse. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic ChicagoA view of the sun and moon during first contact, when the Moon begins to pass in front of the sun. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic ChicagoThe Sun appears crescent shaped as a partial eclipse of the Sun progresses towards totality. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic ChicagoThe total eclipse of the Sun begins and the sun is almost entirely covered by the Moon. In this photo you can see the diamond ring effect. Photo: Michael Galindo/Sophie SanchezTotality. The Moon is now completely covering the Sun and the Sun’s corona is now visible to the naked eye. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic ChicagoBright red solar prominences were seen during totality. This phenomenon is rare and only visible with the naked eye during totality. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic Chicago As the Moon begins to move away from the Sun, a second diamond ring effect was visible. Totality, is now over. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic ChicagoAs the Moon moves away, the Sun becomes visible once again. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic ChicagoThe partial solar eclipse nears the end as the Moon continues to move away from the Sun. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic ChicagoFourth contact, or the end of the partial eclipse of the Sun. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic ChicagoThis composite image shows the progression of the total solar eclipse of 2024 from first to final contact. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic Chicago
