Solar eclipse in Southern Illinois

Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass is a prime spot to watch the total solar eclipse roll in. Tickets for a spot by the cross cost $50 to $250 a person.   (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

Bob Baer, right, a specialist in the physics department at Southern Illinois University, says Saluki Stadium is an ideal spot for families and first-timers to view the Aug. 21 eclipse.   (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

Dave Dardis, shown here in front of his Rainmaker Studio in Makanda, painted a red stripe tracing the center line of the eclipse’s “path of totality.”   (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

Metalwork artist Dave Dardis shows some of the solar pendants available at his Rainmaker Studio, located directly in the center line of the upcoming eclipse.   (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

The eclipse’s longest period of darkness will be in the Makanda area, home to Blue Sky Vineyard.   (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

During a total solar eclipse, the sun’s rarely visible corona can be seen shining like a white crown around the blocked sun.   (Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images )

Special viewing glasses are needed to safely view the eclipse, and they’re for sale in a lot of places in Southern Illinois, including Blue Sky Vineyard.   (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

Eclipse Kitchen on Makanda’s boardwalk is part cafe, part eclipse headquarters for this village of 600 people.   (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

Among the many eclipse-related souvenirs being sold in Southern Illinois are these beer koozies at an SIU bookstore.   (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

Blue Sky Vineyard produced a special-label Eclipse wine in honor of the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse.