Solar Eclipse 2014: Where to look!

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A partial solar eclipse will occur Thursday afternoon, the first one viewable in Chicago since 2012.

A partial eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and earth, blocking some of the sun's light. Viewing the phenomenon requires eclipse glasses or other special devices, according to scientists.

The partial eclipse begins at 4:30 p.m. and reaches its peak at 5:43 p.m.

There are several Chicago area viewing parties, including:

The Adler Planetarium
1300 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Northwestern University
Visitors center, 1841 Sheridan Road, Evanston

Heinze Observatory, Harper College
1200 West Algonquin, Palatine

The next full solar eclipse visible in Illinois will be in 2017.

How to make a pinhole camera (from Northwestern.edu):

Start with two pieces of cardboard. Cut a quarter-sized hole in the center of one piece, and tape a piece of aluminum foil over that hole. Then poke a small pinhole through the piece of aluminum foil using a pin or needle. Smaller holes actually work better than larger ones. Hold this piece up to the sun so that the sun shines through the pinhole. (Do not look at the sun!) Place the second piece of cardboard behind the first so that the sunlight passing throughout the pinhole shines on the second piece of cardboard. (It helps if the second piece of cardboard is white or has white paper taped to it). You will see an enlarged image of the sun projected onto the second piece of cardboard, and it is safe to observe that image as long as you want. Several people can watch the image at the same time.

A shoebox also works well. Cut a hole in one end of the shoebox and cover it with the aluminum foil. Using a pin, poke a small hole in the foil. When lined up with the sun, an image of the sun will appear on the inside of the shoebox on the side opposite the pinhole. See how to build a shoebox pinhole camera: http://youtu.be/EGCYu7RMZLo.