Plans already underway for next solar eclipse in 2024

Posted on August 27, 2017
The same areas that enjoyed the best views of this week’s solar eclipse will have the best look at the next one in seven years. (Photo Pixabay)

By Cole Lauterbach/Illinois Radio Network

CHAMPAIGN – If you missed Monday’s eclipse, don’t throw out those sunglasses just yet. The next one is right around the corner, at least in cosmic terms.

The next total eclipse that will cast its shadow across the country will be April 8, 2024.

Leslie Looney, professor and chair of the University of Illinois’ Department of Astronomy, said the next eclipse will be best seen in the same area of southern Illinois as well as the St. Louis and Indianapolis areas.

“This eclipse will run a little differently, running more from the southwest to the northeast,” he said. “Major cities like Dallas, Buffalo and Indianapolis for example.”

The celestial shadow will still cross over the Carbondale area, which saw much fanfare over the event Monday. The darkest moment will pass over the Carbondale area around 2 p.m., with the eclipse line going just south of Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus.

The next one will last longer but not cover the sun, as well as Monday’s event did.

“Monday’s was about 2 minutes and 40 seconds while the 2024 one will be easily seeing 4-minute totality,” Looney said.

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