4-H planning to offer eclipse event in Marion

Illinois 4-H is inviting the public to a front row seat for the historic total solar eclipse in August in Southern Illinois, where the sun’s path creates the longest duration of darkness.

University of Illinois Extension, in cooperation with the Southern Illinois Miners baseball team, plans to host an educational program on the Miners' ball field in Marion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. 

The ball field will allow prime viewing for the afternoon eclipse.

Tickets for the event can be ordered online by visiting go.illinois.edu/4Heclipse. Select “register” from the right website box. Tickets are $8 per person for entry. Lunch can be added for a total cost of $15.

Commemorative t-shirts are also available for $12 each. The deadline to order tickets is Aug. 1.

All tickets include free 4-H glasses needed to safely view the eclipse. Parking is available for $5 per car or $10 per bus.

Educational programs  are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. 

The programs are scheduled to include hands-on activities with rockets, drones, robotics, virtual reality, 3-D printing and environmental science. 

Families will also be able to enroll their children in 4-H at the site.

In addition to providing glasses to view the eclipse, a telescope will capture the eclipse and project it on the Miners big screen.

During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and earth and blocks all or part of the sun, said U of I Extension 4-H youth development STEM specialist Keith Jacobs. 

Carbondale will experience one of the longest durations of darkness in the country. The sun will be blocked for a full two minutes and 27 seconds in Marion, Jacobs said.

It is dangerous to view the eclipse without special glasses, Jacobs said. 

“Safety will be one of the things we stress during the eclipse,” he said.

“The eclipse is the hottest ticket in town for a family to purchase,” said Kristi Stout, U of I Extension 4-H youth development educator. 

“We are providing a safe family-friendly location to learn about science while having a fun time and witnessing an historic event.”

No alcohol will be served or allowed on the field for the event. The Miners are providing laser tag and mini golf for an additional cost.

Families who want to make it a weekend are invited to attend the Sunday night game which celebrates the rich 4-H heritage in Illinois.