As the solar eclipse creeps closer on the cosmic calendar, Illinois and Indiana schools are adjusting their schedules for April 8, calling for closures and e-learning days. In what's gearing up to be a day more akin to a sci-fi flick than a celestial event, these states are taking no chances with safety and are encouraging folks to take in the rare view with family instead of in the classroom.

More than 70 districts across Illinois are penciling in "not in attendance" days, with a full list of closures posted by NBC Chicago. From small towns like Dieterich and large cities like Carbondale, the schools are shutting doors to let families experience this potentially once-in-a-lifetime spectacle together. And it's not just the kids; Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hitting pause on classes to host a festival marked by astronomical wonder.

Traffic jams and packed sidewalks are a looming threat as many eyes turn skyward, prompting warnings about the dangers of a sudden drop into darkness. There's also talk that a distracted driver trying to catch a glimpse of the disappearing sun could cause more harm than the eclipse itself. Officials are voicing concerns over massive crowds straining resources and putting first responders on high alert.

It's not just an Illinois affair – folks in Indiana are also battening down the hatches. Local news station WRTV reports several institutions, including Brebeuf High School and Carmel Clay Schools, are closing their doors or opting for digital classrooms come eclipse day. Texas, too, braces for the impact of the eclipse-led onslaught, with schools like Hays County School District shuttering up and passing out special viewing glasses to take home, as detailed by Newsweek.

Anyone keen on getting the latest scoop on school closures should stay tuned to local news outlets for up-to-the-minute information. As the date draws nigh, administrators across affected states are keeping an close eye on conditions to make the call on whether kids will be learning in classrooms or under the shadow of the moon.