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Prepare yourself and your kids for a spectacular sky event! On August 21, 2017 Chicago and Lake County will be in the path of the first solar eclipse this area has seen in 92 years! According to the Adler Planetarium, we will have an 87% coverage at 11:54 a.m. We’ve put together tips on how to view it safely and where to find viewing parties.

In order to view the eclipse you will need to have proper eyewear — regular sunglasses are not for viewing a solar eclipse. The Planetarium has a full guide to equip you to eclipse including kitchen hacks (you have a colander right?) in order to view it. Otherwise you can purchase eclipse viewing glasses from one of these locations:

• Adler Planetarium – $2.99
• Amazon – $12.99 for 10
• Steve Spangler Science – $17.99 for 15

Wondering what you will see when? Vox has an interactive map that will show you based on your zip code what you will see and when. If you want to see total coverage you will have to head south to Carbondale.

August 2017 Solar Eclipse Viewing Events

All events will be taking place on Monday, August 21, 2017 starting at 11:00 a.m. unless otherwise indicated — please click links for full details. Little Lake County is not responsible for cancellations, changes, sold-out events or cloudy days.

Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Naturally, the Adler Planetarium is hosting the largest party in the area with FREE outdoor activities and safe viewing.  There will be live entertainment, hands-on-science for all ages, food trucks and more. All guests will get free and safe solar viewing glasses while supplies last.

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Regular parking rates apply. Event will be held on the Esplanade and include free viewing glasses (while supplies last) and  instructions on how to use them. Family drop-in activities will include a talk about myths and legends associated with solar eclipses in different cultures as well as pinhole projectors.

Waukegan
Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Join the Jack Benny Center for the Arts to hear stories of what indigenous people thought about what an eclipse was and then watch the total eclipse streaming at 1:20 p.m.

Deerfield
Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Dr., Deerfield
Drop in and join the fun as we experience the solar eclipse. This is the closest the Chicago region has been to the “path of totality” in over 200 years! FREE.

Kohl Children’s Museum
12:00 p.m. , K0hl Children’s Museum, Glenview
Standard museum fees apply. Don’t miss the near-total eclipse here at Kohl Children’s Museum, with plenty of activities in our outdoor Habitat Park exhibit (weather permitting). Join us to safely view the solar eclipse using safety glasses and pinhole projectors. See demonstrations of how eclipses occur and watch live stream video of the total eclipse as it happens! 

Lake Zurich
Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich
The library will provide eclipse glasses and solar snacks. The eclipse will start at 11:54 a.m., peak at 1:20 p.m. and end at 2:43 p.m. FREE 

Barrington
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd., Barrington
Stop by and see the eclipse through the Nature Center’s filtered scope. FREE

Antioch
Antioch Public Library, 757 Main St., Antioch
Come and join the viewing at the library and get your eclipse glasses. Limited number of glasses available. FREE

Mundelein
12:30 p.m. Community Park, Mundelein
Come for games, crafts and eclipse tracking with viewing glasses (limited supplies available on site). This free event is co-hosted by Fremont Public Library. FREE

Vernon Hills
12:45 p.m. Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills
Gather outside to share stories and interesting facts about the sun, moon, and stars; then don special eclipse viewing glasses to watch the amazing partial eclipse! FREE

Libertyville
12:45 p.m. Cook Park Library, 4133 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
Gather outside to share stories and interesting facts about the sun, moon, and stars; then don special eclipse viewing glasses to watch the amazing partial eclipse! FREE

Volo
11:53 a.m. , Volo Bog State Natural Area, Volo
LCAS members will have special solar filters and eclipse viewers to safely view the Solar Eclipse. A limited supply of solar glasses will be available. Come any time and stay as long as you would like.FREE

Treats
Headed to any of these eclipse parties or just into astronomical events? The Chocolate Sanctuary shared their Zodiac Chocolates with us and they are an utter delight for eager chocolate lovers. Flavors ranging from hot and spicy cinnamon as a Gemini’s delight to the honey lavender caramel for a striking Sagittarius, you’ll find a magical chocolate no matter your sign.

Where will you be watching the Eclipse?

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