Springfield, IL  (capitolcitynow.com) While Springfield may not be in the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th, you should be able to see the moon obscure about 96% of the sun (weather permitting) at the University of Illinois Springfield solar eclipse viewing party. The party will run from 1 to 3 p.m. on the Student Union north patio, with the greatest portion of the eclipse viewable around 2:02 p.m.

The UIS Astronomy Interest Group will have a solar telescope set up providing views of the sun in the partial stages before and after the eclipse. The free event is open to the public and free eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn how to construct a pin-hole camera for safe viewing.