MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A solar eclipse will be visible in Memphis and in other parts of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi on April 8. Many area cities, businesses, and organizations are hosting watch parties across the area to allow people to get a view of the spectacular event.
A solar eclipse occurs at the exact moment when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light for several minutes. The short time when the moon completely blocks the sun is known as the period of totality.
Memphis will not be in the path of totality for this eclipse, meaning the sun will not be completely covered. Still, about 98% of the sun will be blocked during the eclipse in Memphis and in other parts of the Mid-South. All of the continental United States will see the sun at least partially covered.
The maximum eclipse will occur in the Mid-South at 1:57 p.m., when about 98% of the sun will be covered. It will be noticeably darker outside during this time, but it won't be totally dark like at nighttime. The eclipse will end by 3 p.m.
Overton Park
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Overton Park Conservancy are partnering to host an eclipse watch party on the Greensward in Overton Park. The party is from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on April 8. Admission is free and eclipse glasses will be provided at no cost.
Downtown Memphis rooftops
Several Downtown Memphis hotels and bars are hosting rooftop eclipse watch parties on the afternoon of April 8. That includes The Peabody and Beck & Call at the Hyatt Centric.
First Regional Libraries of Mississippi
Several branches of the First Regional Library will be hosting viewing parties for the solar eclipse on April 8, including Batesville, Coldwater, Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, and Walls. Events are free and open to the public.
City of Bartlett
Bartlett is hosting "Total Eclipse of the Park", an eclipse watch party at the Keith McDonald Pavilion at WJ Freeman Park. The event is free to attend and eclipse glasses will be available to the first 100 people. The city will also have food trucks, live music, and education on hand. The event is April 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Olive Branch
The City of Olive Branch is hosting a solar eclipse watch party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 8. The event will be at the track at city park. The party will include live music, food trucks, and free solar eclipse glasses.
Covington
The Tipton County Public Library is hosting an eclipse watch party at the Covington campus of Dyersburg State Community College on Highway 51. Bring your own chair and snacks, but a few pairs of solar eclipse glasses will be available to share.
Discovery Park of America
Discovery Park in Union City is hosting a day full of events for the solar eclipse on April 8. The day will feature "The Epic Eclipse Race", where teams will compete in challenges including science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
