
nasa: The diamond-ring effect can occur at the beginning and end of totality during a total solar eclipse. As the last bits of sunlight pass through the valleys on the moon's limb, and the faint corona around the sun is just becoming visible, it looks like a ring with glittering diamonds on it. Image captured during the 2017 eclipse. (Photo credit: NASA/Carla Thomas)
April 7, 2024 – The total solar eclipse on the afternoon of April 8 will be visible over 128 miles throughout southern and southeastern Illinois, a phenomenon that is expected to bring up to 200,000 visitors to the eclipse’s prime viewing path.
“We know this year’s solar eclipse will have an extremely positive impact for local communities throughout Southern Illinois and beyond,” said Carol Hoffman, executive director of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. “We are so excited for the opportunity to once again remind visitors and residents that southern Illinois is full of amazing outdoor experiences!”
Unlike 2017, where the path was 62 to 71 miles wide, according to NASA, this eclipse will be from 108 to 122 miles wide.
During the previous solar eclipse, an estimated 200,000 people came to southern Illinois, creating a spending impact between $15 and $18 million for the state.
Besides the tourism dollars, businesses are also trying to cash in by offering eclipse-branded products and holding eclipse-themed events. National brands like Nabisco put out special Oreo Space Dunk cookies that include popping candy. Sun Chips, by Frito Lay, offers a solar eclipse flavor – a limited-edition pineapple, habanero and black bean spicy gouda chip available only on its website for four minutes and 27 seconds.
Hoffman, of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, said 2017 was an unprecedented, unforgettable experience that has not yet been matched in southern Illinois. Carbondale drew 50,000 people to town over three days, resulting in $7 million in visitor spending there.
This year, the region is expecting even more visitors. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has sold 11,000 tickets to its 15,000-seat football stadium.
Several other cities and towns in southern Illinois will be plunged into mid-afternoon darkness on Monday. Grand Tower, southwest of Carbondale in Jackson County, will be the first Illinois town to experience the total solar eclipse that is expected to last about 4 minutes.
Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Joey Watson said planning for this eclipse began soon after that 2017 eclipse.
Watson encouraged drivers to park in designated parking areas, and to travel with a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone and water. He also warned motorists against taking pictures or wearing eclipse glasses while driving.
State officials encouraged eclipse tourists to come early and stay late to enjoy southern Illinois, including the more than 30 state parks, some that offer camp sites operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that are in the path of totality.
“We expect April 8 to be busy and exciting for all, but the collective goal for everyone here today is to ensure residents and visitors have a safe and successful viewing experience here in southern Illinois,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie at a news conference last month. “My hope is that visitors will plan to stay an extra day or to not only view the eclipse but explore all our beautiful state parks, historic sites, wineries, museums, restaurants, and other attractions.”
The U.S. will not see another total solar eclipse until 2044.
By BETH HUNDSDORFER
Capitol News Illinois
news@capitolnewsillinois.com