Stellar Places to See the Solar Eclipse in the South
America will soon experience its first total solar eclipse in 38 years. On August 21, the moon will obscure the sun momentarily over locations across the United States. This “path of totality” will include five southern states.
SuperNova South has the details on the best places to see the total solar eclipse in the region. From Kentucky to South Carolina, here are stellar spots for the celestial event of the century.
Kentucky
The Bluegrass State will see the lunar shadow cross over southwestern Kentucky between 1:22 and 1:30 p.m. CST.
Hopkinsville
Also known as “Eclipseville,” Hopkinsville is expected to showcase the “point of greatest eclipse” – when the moon’s dark shadow will pass closest to the Earth’s center.
Bowling Green
Nearly 45 seconds of complete darkness will cover Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Monday afternoon. See where to go for viewing parties and eclipse events.
Tennessee
The Volunteer State will experience the solar eclipse across two time zones. The path of totality will enter the state at 1:25 p.m. CST and cross over state lines at 2:38 p.m. EST.
Nashville
Nashville is the only major city in Tennessee expected to be near the path of totality. There will be viewing parties from rooftop bars and kid-friendly spots as darkness reaches the Music City at 1:27 p.m. CST.
Gatlinburg
You can’t pass up the opportunity to see the eclipse from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Head to activities at Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, or Clingman’s Dome – the highest point in the park.
North Carolina
The path of totality will reach 43.6 miles in the very western corner of the state of North Carolina. Partial eclipses will be viewable from Asheville and Brevard.
Franklin
If determined to see a total solar eclipse in North Carolina, then Franklin is your best bet. This small town will see the eclipse at 2:34 p.m. EST.
Georgia
Only the very northeastern corner of Georgia is located within the path of totality. People in major cities, like Atlanta, will be able to see a partial eclipse.
Clayton
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clayton will experience over two minutes of totality. The area is expected to have a 75 viewable percentage.
Tallulah Falls
The Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia, will host a solar eclipse festival from 1-3:00 p.m. Events, including guided kayak tours, will offer eclipse activities for everyone.
South Carolina
The path of totality will exit the continental United States in South Carolina. Opportunities to watch the eclipse in the Palmetto State will happen after 2:30 p.m. EST.
Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina, is hosting several eclipse events throughout the day. See total darkness at 2:38 p.m. EST.
Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina, is the largest city in the line of totality. Be enveloped in darkness from events across the city, including the Columbia Motor Speedway, at 2:43 p.m. EST.
Want to know what the eclipse will look like in your city? Enter your zip code here.
For more on space and technology, attend our presentation, “It Came From Space,” at SuperNova South this October. Registration is now open.
Images Sourced from NASA GIF.