#U46Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024. a total solar eclipse will cross over the United States. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. In northern Illinois, there will be a partial eclipse. Changes will become noticeable around 12:30 p.m. Central Time with the height of the eclipse occurring at 2:07 pm.

The Office of K-12 Science & Planetarium is working with U-46 staff to provide opportunities for employees and students to safely view the eclipse. This includes providing special viewing glasses and training on how to appropriately use them.

On this page, you will find information and a link to safety guidelines and resources for our staff, students, and community members to safely view this awe-inspiring celestial event.

Students who want to safely view the eclipse outside with their teacher and classmates on April 8 must have a permission slip signed by their parent or guardian. The online permission slip was due before 2 p.m. on Friday, April 5, although parents who have already signed it can log in to review their submission status. Any questions about the permission slip should be directed to your child's school.

U-46 staff and students will be provided with eclipse glasses/viewers so that they can safely view the eclipse. Students whose parents or guardians have filled out the necessary permission slip will receive the eyewear on the morning of April 8 as long as the classroom teacher has completed the safety PD available to them.

Radio Show / Podcast

#U46Eclipse Radio Interview / Podcast
by Alec Barlow on 4/5/2024 Length: 60 minutes

U-46 Planetarium teachers Peggy Hernandez and Joseph Kellenberger sit down with Alec Barlow, digital communications specialist in the Communications & Community Relations department, to discuss the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Play Comments (-1)

Get ready

The following videos provides an overview of the eclipse and how to safely view it.
- In English
- In Spanish
Safety Video

Teachers, staff, and substitute teachers who will be taking students outside to view the eclipse must watch a safety video available here in English or in Spanish. Your name, school, and engagement in the video will automatically be collected and shared with administration. Once you have watched the entire video, you may contact your administration or main office to order a set of glasses for your class. This professional development will need to be completed by Wednesday, April 3.

Gale in Context: For Educators

Anyone looking for content to support the upcoming solar eclipse can check out a specially curated Gale In Context: For Educators folder. You can utilize the main folder to find materials to support your lessons, experiments, and NASA resources, while the subfolders contain grade-level specific content.

To access the folder:
1. Open Gale In Context: For Educators
2. Click on this folder link: Eclipse Materials
Eclipse-Focused Planetarium Shows

To help educate the public about the eclipse and how to safely view it, the U-46 Planetarium is hosting special public sky shows focused on the eclipse. Admission is free for these shows, but seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 4 p.m. on these dates, and the hourlong shows are being offered at:
- Thursday, March 7, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 12, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, March 21, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Parking: Visitors are encouraged to park in the free public lot at the corner of National and Raymond streets, one block from the Planetarium. There is an accessible ramp to the building. Please call with questions about accessible parking. There is no parking on Watch Street, and it is currently undergoing construction, so please allow extra time.

More information here.