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CHICAGO (WLS) — The day of the solar eclipse extravaganza is here.
Millions of people are looking up to the sky to witness the eclipse, and viewing locations across Illinois have been preparing for the phenomenon.
The city’s partial solar eclipse began around 12:51 p.m., and by 1:33 p.m. nearly 50% of the sun was covered. By 2:07 p.m., Chicago was at its maximum solar eclipse coverage: 93.9%.
WATCH: ABC7’s Larry Mowry gets emotional during total solar eclipse in Carbondale
As the diamond ring signaling the end of totality flared in Carbondale, ABC7 meteorologist Larry Mowry was overwhelmed by emotion ‘I knew this moment was coming, but it just is spectacular.’
A total eclipse occurred in downstate Carbondale, and thousands of people have traveled there to see the show.
The eclipse began there around 12:43 p.m. About 50% of the sun was covered by 1:27 p.m.
WATCH LIVE TODAY: ABC News, National Geographic to air live ‘Eclipse Across America’ special
Then, a half-hour later at 1:59 p.m., Carbondale experienced a total solar eclipse. That lasted around four minutes and 10 seconds.
Total solar eclipse in southern Illinois
The crowd erupted as Carbondale experienced a total solar eclipse Monday.
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The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop Monday morning at Southern Illinois airport due to the high volume of plane traffic.
The FAA also warned pilots to carry extra fuel, as there is a possibility planes will be rerouted and put into holding patterns due to heavy volume in the eclipse zones.
Amtrak’s Illini and Saluki trains were operating Monday morning on modified schedules to help customers get to the area of totality in time to witness the solar eclipse.
Both trains left Chicago at 6:35 a.m., and operated on an adjusted schedule through to Carbondale, arriving at 12:05 p.m.
Many people have taken off work or school to see the eclipse and are excited and emotional.
Over 300 from the Chicago area were at Union Station early Monday to catch the sold-out train.
Lee Kornhauser from the Edgewater neighborhood was eager to get to Carbondale.
“You know I used to teach science, so, for me, this is a lifelong dream. I unfortunately missed the last opportunity in 2017, and I said I would not miss this opportunity, just praying that the clouds stay away and that we get a good shot at the eclipse,” he said.
The celestial event brought out Denise Ybarra and her family.
Ybarra packed just a few necessities for their day trip.
“Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because they don’t go bad, water, you brought your chair. I’ve got my chair. Yes, I’ve got extra socks in case my feet get wet. I’m in layers for whatever temperature it may be,” Ybarra said.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said the train could’ve been 20 cars long and it still would’ve sold out.
“I mean, this is an even bigger eclipse than Carbondale had last time: more minutes in totality, more national hype,” he said.
Nathan Kasimer was among those who took off work Monday.
“I like astronomical things, and this is the last shot. And I had some PTO to use, so I figure this is the chance,” Kasimer said.
Many are hoping to feel the beauty and possibly life changing experience through this celestial phenomenon that doesn’t come around often.
“Well, I mean, people just raved about the experience, and I think it’s kind of potentially once-in-a-lifetime, and so I think when those moments come up, you gotta take advantage of it,” Christine Fifield said.
Brooks Butler agreed.
“I know one of our friends went a few years ago, and he wouldn’t shut up about it, and he’s actually going again, and so, yeah, I’m excited to see what kind of feelings stir up,” Butler said.
Those taking the train were excited to dodge the traffic, which is expected to be difficult Monday.
A team from the Adler Planetarium in Chicago is in Carbondale to emcee a watch party at Southern Illinois University’s Saluki Stadium.
Many have been welcomed to Southern Illinois’ campus, with a full slate of events, including “Eclipse Con Strikes Back,” with costumes and role play.
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“I’m excited it’s lasting so long. Four minutes is a very long time. I’ve actually never seen a total solar eclipse,” Samantha Barnes said.
University of Chicago astronomy professor Josh Frieman and dozens of his students are at the campus, too.
“We’re going to be in a football stadium at Southern Illinois University. I imagine the cheering will be as loud or louder than if their football team just scored a touchdown,” he said.
The town of just over 20,000 is expecting at least five times as many visitors for Monday’s event.
And SIU opened up unused dorms for people to stay.
“The dorm is awesome, because it’s just like being back at college,” retired Chicago Public Schools teacher Carol Moran said.
Partial solar eclipse visible in Chicago
Cheryl Scott was at Adler Planetarium witnessing a partial solar eclipse Monday.
Thousands were on the lakefront Monday to get the full solar eclipse experience
There was a special viewing party at the Adler Planetarium for the highly anticipated event.
Telescopes were also set up around the museum grounds, so people could see the eclipse for themselves.
This year’s total solar eclipse is special, because it will run through much of the U.S.
The Pullman National Historical Park was also filled with excitement, as eyes will be on the skies.
Scientists said this year’s solar eclipse was more visible than the last one in 2017.
Park ranger Lisa Burback recalled that celestial phenomenon.
“I’m a resident here in Pullman, so I was right here in the neighborhood, and we didn’t have a place to gather as a community then for the event, which is what inspired us to put this together,” Burback said.
You’ll need to wear special solar-viewing glasses the entire time to protect your eyes from the awe-inspiring spectacle.
There are plenty of other places to see the eclipse in Chicago and the suburbs.
The observation deck 360 Chicago at 875 N. Michigan Ave. is hosting a viewing party, and will have free solar viewers on-hand as long as supplies last.
The Museum of Science and Industry will have solar telescopes, activities and more from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
And the Cernan Earth and Space center at Triton College will have a a special event in River Grove. From noon until 3:30 p.m., visitors can see the partial solar eclipse, then special showings inside the planetarium, including a moon cosmic light show.
At Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana, many were gathered at the living history museum to watch the eclipse.
Parts of Indiana experienced a total solar eclipse Monday.
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