The corona of the solar eclipse radiates light during full totality. On Monday, students flooded campus, ditched classes and took a trip to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event in Illinois.

Gallery | Let’s watch the eclipse

By James Hoeck, Isaac Pinkus, Yichen Liu, Bianca Olson, Anh-Khoi Pham, Angel Saldivar and Candice Zhou • April 9, 2024

Bianca Olson
Students gather on the Main Quad for the solar eclipse on April 8.

Anh-Khoi Pham
Hannah Beshey, graduate student studying art education, views the solar eclipse in front of the Siebel Center for Design on April 8.

Angel Saldivar
Student from Eastern Illinois University Goutham Siddi protects his camera lens using his solar viewer at the Champaign Public Library on April 8.

Anh-Khoi Pham
Seniors Ariyana Shines and Lindsey Garcia viewing the solar eclipse in front of the Siebel Center for Design on April 8.

Yichen Liu
The moon partially covers the sun during the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

Bianca Olson
Students gaze into the sky to observe the eclipse on the Main Quad on April 8.

Bianca Olson
Juniors Owen Skarbalus, Tiffany Macias and Tommy Li view the eclipse on the Main Quad on April 8.

Bianca Olson
Maya S., freshman in LAS, and Lucy M., freshman in Business, on the Main Quad during the solar eclipse on April 8.

James Hoeck
Members of the campus community observe the eclipse from behind Foellinger Auditorium on April 8.

James Hoeck
Di Liang, senior in Engineering, observes the eclipse in his graduation gown on April 8.

Candice Zhou
Solar eclipse at 12:52 p.m. on April 8.

James Hoeck
Students watch in awe of the solar eclipse on April 8 on the Main Quad.

James Hoeck
Students and members of the Champaign-Urbana community pack the Main Quad to view the eclipse on April 8.

James Hoeck
Lainey Roknich, freshman in ACES, and Grace Van Dyke, freshman in LAS, sit on the Main Quad waiting for the eclipse to start on April 8.

James Hoeck
Students watch the eclipse during maximum coverage as the sky darkens on April 8 on the Main Quad.

About the Contributors

James Hoeck, Photo Editor

I am James Hoeck, a senior in photography with a minor in media. I have been a part of Illini Media for over three years starting back in fall 2021. I hold the position of photo editor here at The Daily Illini overseeing our photo department. I also work as photo editor and editor-in-chief for Illini Media’s yearbook, The Illio. There is a good chance you will see me out and about on campus taking photos! If you want to check out more of my work, visit my linked socials. For inquiries, contact me at my attached email.

Isaac Pinkus, Assistant Photo Editor

Angel Saldivar, Assistant Photo Editor

My name is Angel Saldivar and I'm nearing the end of my Journalism degree at the University of Illinois and currently serve as the Assistant Photo Editor at the Daily Illini. When I'm not out taking photos, I'm diving into filmmaking with my film club (shoutout Illini Film and Video) or playing the drums. Got questions or just want to connect? Don't hesitate to email me!

Candice Zhou, Assistant Photo Editor

Hey! My name is Candice Zhou, and I’m a junior majoring in accounting and finance. I joined The Daily Illini in spring 2022 as a photographer and am now the assistant photo editor. I love music and singing (I am currently in a band called Too Soon!). I also like traveling, watching movies, playing tennis, etc. Fun fact about me: I am a DJ! If you have any questions, feel free to email me!