Rockford readies for moment out of the sun with solar eclipse near totality
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This coming Monday the moon will cast a shadow over a large swath of the United States, allowing millions of people to view a total solar eclipse.
Rockford is not in the path of totality — where the moon completely blocks the sun, revealing the star’s outermost atmosphere called the corona. But, there is still a sight to behold here with a partial eclipse that will leave just a crescent sliver of the sun uncovered.
“We’re going to be near totality, and it’s going to be directly overhead slightly toward the southern horizon,” said Mike Kelley, a Rock Valley College professor who teaches the atmospheric science class. “Really what you’re looking for is a good overhead view right around 2 p.m. Monday.”
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Interested in catching a glimpse of the eclipse on Monday? Or just want to know what’s the big deal? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know for experiencing the rare event from Rockford.
When will the eclipse happen in Rockford?
The moon will begin to cross in front of the sun from our viewpoint at 12:50 p.m. with the maximum coverage at 2:05 p.m., according to information from NASA and timeanddate.com. The eclipse will end at 3:20 p.m. with a total duration of two hours and 30 minutes.
Why is this eclipse a big deal?
This is the first total solar eclipse in the United States since 2017, but this one covers a wider and more densely populated portion of the country, according to NASA.
An estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality this year, compared to 12 million in 2017, according to NASA. Additionally, about 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.
It’s the last total solar eclipse in the country until August 2044.
“This is something that has been awe-inspiring for as long as recorded time,” said Sarah Treadwell, a professional science communicator and NASA solar system ambassador who goes by the name Space Case Sarah.
Treadwell, a Rockford resident, will travel south to Paris, Illinois, to setup base in the path of totality as she searches for the best viewing spot depending on the weather Monday.
“There are forces so much bigger than us, and it really connects us to space,” Treadwell said of the upcoming eclipse. “That awe is just overwhelming, to know that there are so many people who are coming together to experience something that is bigger than all of us.”
What will the eclipse look like in Rockford?
In Rockford, the eclipse will have a 0.911 magnitude, with just a sliver uncovered by the moon.
You can see a simulation in the video below. The simulation starts 22 seconds into the video.
How should I protect my eyes?
To view the eclipse you need to either use protective eclipse glasses or view it through a pinhole projector.
Sunglasses, even extremely dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. Make sure you have eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 safety standards.
“There is never at any point that it is safe to look at the sun,” Treadwell said. “Please take care of your eyes and get certified solar glasses.”
If you don’t have glasses, you can also make pinhole projectors, Treadwell said. Such projectors allow you to see the shadow of the eclipse without looking toward the sky. You can find instructions from NASA here.
“There are a lot of fun ways to look at the eclipse basically on the ground from the shadows without solar glasses, but I highly encourage you to get solar glasses and see it for yourself,” she said.
Can you photograph the eclipse?
You can take photos with your cellphone camera, but Treadwell warns that prolonged exposure to the sun could damage your phone’s camera.
“Your cameras in your phones, those sensors, are like your eyes,” she said. “Don’t point them at the sun directly for long periods of time, it can damage your phone.”
She recommends using solar glasses as a filter over the camera lens on your phone. You also need to make sure you wear protective glasses while aiming your shot.
Is weather going to spoil it?
The National Weather Service forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high near 65 on Monday.
“It’s hard to forecast sky cover four days out, but it looks like it’s going to be mostly sunny,” Kelley said. “Even if we don’t have unobstructed sky view at least we should get plenty of peaks off and on throughout the whole cycle.”
Treadwell agrees, saying expected cloud cover can change over the next few days.
“The models haven’t been looking super great for pretty much anywhere in the United States so far,” Treadwell said. “That will change so many times between now and Monday, so don’t panic yet. I’ve had even telescope events where the morning of it’s terrible and by the evening it’s perfect.”
Are there Rockford area eclipse events?
Yes, there are a few events both in preparation for and during the eclipse. Here are some in the area below:
Solar Eclipse Preview
About: Discovery Center Museum will host an interactive and educational event centered around the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Kids can learn about solar eclipses in 15-minute planetarium shows, explore the science behind solar cooking and delve into the concepts of light, sound and the unique phenomena associated with solar eclipses. Eclipse glasses will be given to children while supplies last.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Solar eclipse experience
About: Children and families can learn about the total solar eclipse happening Monday, April 8. Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided. This program is best suited for children ages 6-8 and family members.
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, April 7
Cost: Free
Info: Go HERE
Solar eclipse hike
About: Join a guided hike through Atwood Park to find the the best spots to see the solar eclipse. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided to 15 participants. Sharing is encouraged.
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 8 (peak time of the eclipse should be about 2:05 p.m.)
Where: Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Eclipse viewing party
About: The Boone County Conservation District and Ida Public Library will host an eclipse viewing party with free viewing glasses, activities on the lawn, a food truck and picnic space, Ida’s Bookmobile and video live stream of the eclipse.
When: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 8
Where: Spencer Park, 899 Appleton Road, Belvidere
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
