Even though the city will only experience about 94% eclipse coverage for the total solar eclipse of 2024, there are several eclipse events in Chicago because it’s still an astronomical event worth viewing. To see the total solar eclipse, you need to travel to a location in the path of totality, with southern Illinois and Indiana being the closest.
These are a few of the total solar eclipse events in Chicago hosted by local museums, organizations, and civic groups.
Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
April 8th from 12:30-3:30
Chicago’s Adler Planetarium is hosting Eclipse Encounter ’24, a free event outside the Planetarium. Safely view the sun through a solar telescope and enjoy fun activities for the duration of the eclipse event. The Planetarium will be open during the day too, admission required, with even more solar eclipse activities available inside.
Adler Eclipse Event Info HERE.
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
April 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m
The Museum of Science and Industry is hosting Solar Eclipse 2024 for guests of the museum. Hands on activities will take place inside and outside of the museum, a NASA Solar System Ambassador will be on hand to answer questions, and NASA’s livestream of the eclipse event along the path of totality will be broadcasted.
Admission to the Museum is required for this event. More information HERE.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, East 56th Street Place, Chicago
April 8, 2024 from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
The Chicago Council on Science and Technology and the DuSable Museum are hosting a free solar eclipse viewing event that is open to the public and school groups. Hands-on educational activities, astronomy expert Q&A, and solar telescopes for safe viewing are included in this event.
Registration is required. Event details HERE.
Pullman National Historic Site, 610 E. 111th Street, Chicago
April 8th, 2024 from 1-3 pm
Pullman NHS on Chicago’s far southside is hosting, A Partial Eclipse at the Park, and offering the opportunity to learn more about solar eclipses with a NASA Ambassador. Guests can earn the Junior Ranger eclipse badge, view the sun through a solar telescope, and learn more about eclipses through hands on activities. This event is free.
Pullman NHS Eclipse FB Event Page HERE.
Chicago Public Library Branches
Several Chicago Public Library branches around the city are hosting eclipse viewing events and activities throughout the day. Snacks, activities, eclipse related make and takes, and solar telescope viewing are included at some locations.
Search this LIST for available events and activities.
Cernan Earth and Space Center, 2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove
April 8, 2024 from 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Just outside the city on the campus of Triton College, the Cernan Earth and Space Center is hosting an entire day of activities for their Partial Solar Eclipse Watch. Safe solar viewing, planetarium shows, and make and take activities are all offered activities individually priced from FREE to $5.
Cernan Event Information HERE.
Watch with NASA, Anywhere
April 8, 2024 beginning at Noon CDT
If you are stuck inside or under cloudy skies for the duration of the total solar eclipse, NASA is providing live coverage from several locations along the path of totality. The broadcast will last three hours and will include a Spanish broadcast on YouTube beginning at 12:30 pm.
Visit NASA’s website for the live broadcast or YouTube for a telescope only feed.
