People wanting to safely catch a glimpse of the upcoming partial solar eclipse will get their opportunity at events hosted by two Illinois planetariums.
The Adler Planetarium in Chicago says the partial eclipse will begin at 4:36 p.m. on Thursday. The peak — when the moon will cover half of the sun — will occur at 5:43 p.m. The eclipse will end at sunset, or approximately 6 p.m.
If the weather permits, the planetarium will offer free to the public safe viewing through telescopes with solar filters. As of Thursday morning, NBC 5 weather models showed clouds potentially hampering views of the eclipse.
The Illinois State University Planetarium in Normal also will hold a viewing session and free program. The event will include a presentation about eclipses under the planetarium dome.
Staring directly at the eclipse without the proper protection can harm a person's eyes.
Illinois Planetariums Offer Safe View of Partial Eclipse
The partial eclipse will begin at 4:36 p.m. on Thursday
Copyright AP - Associated Press
