SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – An annual solar eclipse is set to take place tomorrow along a path from Oregon to Texas.

An annular eclipse involves the moon passing between the sun and Earth while the moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth. To a viewer on Earth, this prevents the moon from completely covering the sun, such as occurs during a total solar eclipse. Southern Illinois, however, will be able to witness a partial solar eclipse during the event.

The National Weather Service in Paducah says the forecast sky cover for the partial solar eclipse will be 50 to 80 percent with the best viewing near the Arkansas and Tennessee borders due to the least amount of cloud cover.

The partial solar eclipse will begin at 10:30 a.m. with its peak at noon. It will end at 1:30 p.m.

SIU Carbondale will be providing solar telescopes and eclipse viewing glasses for those wishing to see the eclipse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at Saluki Stadium.

Our area will see another total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The last one was on Aug. 21, 2017.