Dear Tom,
In February, Chicagoans enjoyed a superb view of the total lunar eclipse. When can we see the next solar eclipse?
–Many readers
Dear readers,
Mark your calendars for Aug. 21, 2017. That’s the day Chicagoans will be in for an astronomical treat, when about 90 percent of the sun will disappear here during a solar eclipse. The rare opportunity to view a total solar eclipse will require only a trip Downstate to locations between Carbondale and Paducah, Ky.
Dan Joyce, astronomer at Triton College’s Cernan Earth and Space Center, said there has been a recent dearth of solar eclipses visible in this area.
Before the 2017 event, there will be just two 55 percent-plus partial eclipses, both occurring around sunset, on May 12, 2012, and Oct. 23, 2014.
After 2017, the next opportunity to view a total eclipse in this area won’t occur until Sept. 14, 2099, when areas from Evanston north into Wisconsin will experience a total eclipse. ———-
Write to: ASK TOM WHY, 2501 Bradley Pl., Chicago, IL 60618 or: asktomwhy@wgntv.com
Weather Report is prepared by the WGN-TV Weather Center, where Tom Skilling is chief meteorologist. His forecasts can be seen Monday through Friday on WGN News at noon and 9 p.m.
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