Seven different state agencies and Southern Illinois University are coming together to put a plan in place for the total solar eclipse on April 8th. The southern tip of the Illinois, including Carbondale, is expected to be in the path of totality, where the moon will completely cover the sun. As a result, the area expects to see a large influx of visitors.

SIU is working with NASA to provide live streams of the eclipse. Blair Allen, executive producer of NASA EDGE, will be on hand at a Friday press conference at 10 a.m. at the Giant City Lodge in Makanda where state agencies will provide an update on preparations.

The news conference will be streamed live.

Agencies involved:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Illinois Department of Transportation
Illinois Office of Tourism
Illinois State Police
Illinois Emergency Management Agency
Illinois Department of Public Health
Illinois Conservation Police