Steal My Sunshine: Your Guide to the 2024 Solar Eclipse

Man, are you pumped for the 2024 solar eclipse or what? This thing is gonna be epic. We're talkin' coast-to-coast totality, baby. The path of totality will cut right across the country from Texas to Maine. Even if you're not in the path, you'll still see a partial eclipse. Time to start making your plans to check out this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. Whether traveling or staying home, you gotta prep if you want the full experience. This guide will give you the deets on the when, where and how of the eclipse so you can make the most of this amazing astronomical phenomenon. Let's do this!

Top 5 Solar Eclipse 2024 Viewing Locations in the US

With the path of totality cutting a diagonal line across the contiguous US, some of the best places to view the total solar eclipse are right in the heartland.##

Carbondale, Illinois

This small city in southern Illinois lies directly in the path of totality and is predicted to experience the longest duration of totality, around 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Carbondale is home to Southern Illinois University, which is hosting special eclipse events. You’ll have your pick of scenic viewing spots in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest.

Jefferson City, Missouri

Missouri’s capital city is another prime viewing location, with about 2 minutes 20 seconds of totality. Head to the Jefferson City Greenway Trail, which stretches along the Missouri River, for panoramic views of the eclipse. The city is also hosting an Eclipse Festival with live music, food, and activities at Memorial Park.

Nashville, Tennessee

Known for its vibrant music scene, Nashville will be one of the largest US cities in the path of totality. You’ll have around 1 minute 57 seconds to soak in the experience. Centennial Park and the Parthenon are two of the city’s most iconic spots to view the eclipse. Or head to the Cumberland River for reflections of the eclipse on the water.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smokies offer stunning mountain vistas for viewing the eclipse. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, provides 360-degree views and will see about 2 minutes of totality. Arrive early, as the road to Clingmans Dome is only open during the day and parking at the top is limited.

Hopkinsville, Kentucky

The small city of Hopkinsville, Kentucky is promoting itself as “Eclipseville, USA” and is located very close to the point of the longest duration of totality. About 2 minutes 40 seconds of total darkness is expected. The city is hosting an Eclipse Festival from Aug. 18-21, 2017, with vendors, food, and activities at Jennie Stuart Medical Center.

Conclusion

And there you have it, a complete guide to making the most of the 2024 solar eclipse. From travel tips to photography how-tos, celestial mechanics to safety advice, we covered all the bases you need to know to enjoy the big day. Just don't forget to order your eclipse glasses soon, charge those camera batteries, gas up the car, and clear your schedule. The countdown is on to the big celestial event. In less than two years, you'll get to experience one of nature's most awe-inspiring shows. Follow this guide, soak up every magical moment in the moon's shadow, and you'll have an epic solar eclipse story you'll be telling for decades to come. Clear skies!