This April, a very special event is happening throughout the United States! A total solar eclipse is occurring on April 8th, 2024. This astronomical event hasn’t been visible in the United States since 2017 and it’s the first to cross the entire country since 1918! Though Rockford, Illinois is not in the path of totality, it will see around a 90% partial eclipse.
You can expect to see the eclipse in the greater Rockford area between 1:58 pm – 2:06 pm. The entire eclipse will be over by 3:20 pm.
The total eclipse will last about 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
There are several events happening in the Rockford area to celebrate the eclipse! We’ve put together a list below.
Solar Eclipse Talk with Space Case Sarah at Thurgood Marshall Middle School
4664 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL
Tuesday, April 2nd from 6 pm – 7 pm
Cost: Free
Learn about eclipses, why they occur, and how to safely view one. Space Case Sarah will be speaking at this event and it is open to the public.
Solar Eclipse Preview at Discovery Center Museum
711 N. Main St., Rockford, IL
Saturday, April 6th from 11 am – 3 pm
Cost: $10 per person / free for kids 1 and under and members
Kids can learn about the upcoming eclipse with planetarium shows, solar oven s’mores, experiments and more. There will also be eclipse glasses handed out.
Solar Eclipse Experience at Nature at the Confluence
306 Dickop St., South Beloit, IL
Sunday, April 7th from 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Cost: Free
Kids ages 6-8 and family are welcome to learn about the solar eclipse and pick up solar glasses. Register here.
Eclipse Viewing Party at Spencer Park
825 N. Appleton Rd., Belvidere, IL
Monday, April 8th from 12 pm – 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
Participate in activities on the lawn, get free glasses to view the eclipse, enjoy a food truck and more! Doors open at 12:15 pm.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Hedberg Public Library
316 S. Main St., Janesville, WI
Monday, April 8th from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
Stop in to view the solar eclipse as a broadcast or with solar eclipse glasses. There will be a limited number of glasses available.
Total Solar Eclipse Party at Walnut Creek Apparel and Gifts
408 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, WI
Monday, April 8th from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
Watch the solar eclipse, enjoy free drinks and snacks, purchase any eclipse merchandise and get a free pair of solar eclipse glasses while supplies last.
Solar Eclipse Hike at Atwood Park
2685 New Milford School Rd., Rockford, IL
Monday, April 8th from 1 pm – 3 pm
Cost: Free
Enjoy a hike with viewing glasses. There will only be 15 glasses available. Register here.
