Eclipse viewers travel through central Illinois

Before the moon crossed the sun on Monday afternoon, many travelers were on their way home or looking for the best spot to see the spectacle.

Eclipse seekers will be spotted in waves along Interstate 57 heading to places like Carbondale, where the greatest totality, or peak of darkness, will occur at 2:01 p.m. It was predicted to be the best observation spot.

Some people headed east along Interstate 74 to catch the total solar eclipse and happened to stop at the Farm Lands Rest Area just outside Farmer City.

Milwaukee residents Chuck and Madria Brockmeyer said they arrived in the Carbondale area with their three dogs by the afternoon, hoping to witness the extremely rare occultation.

They hadn't done much other than travel around southern Illinois, but they saw news about retired meteorologist Tom Skilling's establishment in Makanda, a town of just under 600 people south of Carbondale. Chuck said he decided to travel.

“Jesus created a set of rules and a space so precise that he could predict the eclipse 10 years from now. … It's the perfect setting,” Chuck said. “Thank you to a wonderful God who created a universe where this is possible.”

Kim Winnett of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Autumn Percy of Uniontown, Ohio, were on their way home from Peoria and said they planned to stop somewhere in their small town on the day of the eclipse.

“I was truly amazed by God's creation and experienced the power of God during this eclipse,” Percy said.

Rich Followell of Evansville, Wis., said he was on his way to a rest area west of Indianapolis to watch the eclipse, because it would likely be visible if there were no clouds.

Followell, who is from Harrisburg, Illinois, said he tried the same thing in 2017, but the cloudy weather meant he couldn't see much.

“When this is over, this will be off my bucket list,” Followell said. “Get some snacks and drinks, and make sure you have the right kind of glasses.”

Mona Powell and Jason Hill of Burlington, Iowa, said they try to get as close to Mount Vernon as possible before 2 p.m., looking for a hidden bar where they can have a drink while watching the eclipse.

Powell, who grew up in Carbondale, said the eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an even better reason to take Monday off from work.

“Well, maybe we should see it this time because we might not be able to do it next time,” Powell said.

Hill, a Galesburg native, said she packed some chairs and drinks in case she couldn't find a spot in time and needed to leave midway.

“We kind of decided this last minute and we really don’t have any plans other than to drive out here and find a place to watch,” Hill said. “The glasses are in the car, so if you don't make it in time, you can park it anywhere.”

To check the eclipse's timing, extent and weather based on your exact location, visit eclipse-explorer.smce.nasa.gov.