MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A solar eclipse will be visible in Memphis and in other parts of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi on April 8, a day that some have been looking forward to for months.
The maximum eclipse will occur in the Mid-South at 1:57 p.m. on Monday, April 8. It will be noticeably darker outside during this time, but it won't be totally dark like at nighttime.
Memphis and other parts of West Tennessee and North Mississippi will see anywhere from 95% to 99% of the sun covered by the moon, which will offer an incredible view and dim the sky that afternoon.
However, the path of the rare, 100% total solar eclipse isn't too far away from Memphis, and it may be worth the drive. Experiencing a 100% total eclipse is much more spectacular than even a 99% eclipse, being that the total eclipse completely covers the sun and allows you to see the solar corona emanating from the sun. The sky will also appear much darker during the total solar eclipse.
The path of the total eclipse will begin in southwestern Arkansas, traveling through cities like Arkadelphia, Little Rock, Searcy, Newport, and Jonesboro. Many cities in the path of the total eclipse are planning special watch parties and other events to encourage tourism.
If you do plan to travel west to watch the total solar eclipse, you'll want to plan ahead. Arkansas officials are expecting over a million visitors to the state on April 8, and that could lead to increased traffic and longer lines at gas stations.
It may also be hard for visitors to find a place to stay. Many hotels are sold out for April 8 in Arkansas, and Little Rock is one of the most popular cities for Airbnb bookings that day.
Wherever you're watching the eclipse, you'll need special solar glasses if you plan to look toward the sun. The only time you can remove the glasses is during the few minutes of the total eclipse, if you're in the path.