ABC57 is heading to Carbondale for the Solar Eclipse and so can you
SOUTH BEND, Ind -- It's been 38 years since the United States last saw a total solar eclipse. This time around just over 12 million people are in the path of totality and anywhere between 2 and 7 million people are estimated to travel to it.
Carbondale, Illinois is the point in the country where the total eclipse is set to last the longest -- a full 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
It's about 393 miles from South Bend and will take you just under 6 hours to drive there.
You can also hop a train to Carbondale. Amtrak is offering a 30-percent discount on its Illini and Saluki trains. They depart daily from Chicago with some fares as low as $24.
If you're looking to stay the night, you may have to stay somewhere on the edge of the totality path. All hotels in Carbondale are booked for eclipse weekend.
Southern Illinois University sold out 200 of its dorm suites
AirBNB is an option, but the prices are high and the options are limited.
Path of the April 8, 2024 eclipse.
If you do make it to Carbondale, SIU and NASA are hosting an eclpise viewing party at Saluki Stadium. Tickets are $25.
If the price is too high, don't worry you have another chance to view a total solar eclipse in 2024, and you won't have to travel as far. Much of central and southern Indiana will be in the path of totality.
Morning Anchor Drew Gardner and Meteorologist Alex Countee will be reporting live from Carbondale beginnign Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m.