COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The St. Louis region on April 8, 2024, will fall within the path of a total solar eclipse. It will be two decades before the contiguous U.S. sees another total solar eclipse, according to NASA.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth at just the right moment. During a total eclipse, the moon blocks all of the sun's light, creating a brief moment of darkness in the middle of the day.
When to watch the eclipse in Collinsville
Although Collinsville is not in the path of totality, the city will offer a spectacular view of the partial eclipse beginning at about 12:43 p.m. Monday and continuing for just over two hours, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Where to watch
The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is inviting visitors to enjoy a partial view of the eclipse from the largest pre-Columbian site north of Mexico. Although the Interpretive Center is closed for renovations, the museum lobby and gift shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to offer limited edition eclipse souvenirs. Custom Cahokia Mounds eclipse glasses are available while supplies last for $16. Visitors should park in designated spots, including the warehouse parking lot near Monks Mound.
The Eclipse Viewing Party from noon to 3 p.m. at Herald Square will feature fun activities for all ages, shopping opportunities with local vendors, music and more. Plus, you can grab a free pair of protective eclipse glasses.
RELATED: Here are some of the best spots in the Bi-state to see totality during the 2024 solar eclipse
How businesses are celebrating
Old Herald Brewery & Distillery is brewing a special Solar Shandy and collaborating with Big Muddy Brewing to create a Dark Noon Whiskey to honor the rare solar event.
Uptown Scoops is offering a frozen custard specialty, Moon Pie Custard, which is a banana cream custard with Moon Pie pieces and drizzled with a chocolate hard shell.
Collinsville Memorial Public Library is hosting a solar eclipse movie marathon from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in the lead-up to the eclipse. The library will show a variety of movies aimed at teens and adults that feature eclipses, and visitors can do eclipse-themed crafts as they watch the movies.
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