MUSEUM CAMPUS — Haven't decided where to watch the solar eclipse Monday?
Try Adler Planetarium, which is throwing a free big block party.
Admission will also be free Monday inside the Adler at 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. It's celebrating the rare phenomenon by handing out safety glasses and blowing up a big bounce house on its lawn for the first total solar eclipse visible from the United States since 1979.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon gets between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the world's surface.
On Monday, the moon will block out the midday sun for three minutes, and up to 87 percent of the sun will be covered in Chicago. The next total solar eclipse visible from Chicago won't be seen until 2099.
Guests can check out the Adler's new "Chasing Eclipses" exhibit Monday, and see a live feed of cities such as Nashville and Downstate Carbondale that sit along the eclipse's "path of totality" during the party, too.
RELATED: 'Chasing Eclipses' The Latest Exhibit Coming to Adler Planetarium
The planetarium's regular sky shows will be offered at a discounted price of $5, and a special eclipse show inside the planetarium will be available for $2.
The planetarium opens at 9:30 a.m. Monday. The eclipse begins at 11:54 a.m. and climaxes at 1:19 p.m.
Here's a full schedule:
•10:30 a.m.: A “Mad Science” show live on stage
•“Ask an Astronomer!” FAQ sessions throughout the day
•Clark The Cub appearance: 11 a.m.
•Observing 101 viewing demonstration: 11:15 a.m.
•Live feed coverage from NASA: beginning at 11:45 a.m.
•Eclipse begins: 11:54 a.m.
•Peak eclipse in Chicago: 1:19 pm
•Eclipse trivia at the main stage: 12:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
•Fun in the Sun, a solar oven building demonstration: 4:15 p.m.
•Closing announcements: 5:45 p.m.
All-Day events:
•Entertainment by Jim & the Povolos, DJ Lani Love and DJ Chess Hubbard
•Design challenges including solar car races, making solar ovens and pinhole projectors
•Solar science demonstrations including UV beads, a sundial station and Sun prints
•Fun for kids including bubbles, sensory activities, and light and shadow activities
•Giant Jenga, a jumbo bounce house, gladiator obstacle course, giant parachute, jumbo ladder toss, bean bag toss and a sandbag game.
•Telescope viewing, a selfie station, "rocket fun" and other activities.
