Here’s where, when, and for how long you can see the total solar eclipse in Kentucky

Kentuckians, it’s time to start preparing for the 2024 solar eclipse, taking place this April. Some won’t even have to leave their home city to get a good view of the rare, celestial occurrence, as part of the state is located along the path of totality.

Here’s what we know about the upcoming event:

When is the 2024 solar eclipse?

The solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8. According to NASA, Mexico’s Pacific coast will first experience the eclipse around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse path will then enter the U.S. in Texas, traveling through the states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Main. Some parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also experience the phenomenon.

From there, the eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, traveling through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton before exiting North America on the Atlantic coast around 5:16 p.m. NDT in Newfoundland, Canada.

Where will the 2024 solar eclipse be visible in Kentucky?

According to a news release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the total eclipse will last around one to three minutes in the state, with major cities on the path including Paducah, Morganfield and Henderson.

Areas more directly located in the path of totality, like Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, will see about four minutes of totality.

When, and where is the solar eclipse visible in Kentucky? How long is the total eclipse visible in Kentucky?

See the eclipse in Paducah

According to the City of Paducah, the city will see around two minutes of totality, as Paducah sits on the edge of the path. The eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. with totality starting at 2 p.m. Totality will end at 2:02 p.m. and the eclipse will end at 3:18 p.m.

The city is also hosting an “X Marks the Spot: Paducah Eclipse Festival” on April 7-8, with a street fair featuring vendors, programming, etc. in the downtown area. It will go from noon until 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

Recommended and free viewing spots in the area include:

• Bob Noble Park
• Kolb Park
• Ohio River Boat Launch
• Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park
• Riverfront and Schultz Park
• Stuart Nelson Park

See the eclipse in Morganfield

According to Eclipse2024.org, Morganfield will experience over two and a half minutes of totality. The eclipse begins at 12:44 p.m., with totality starting at 2:01 p.m. and lasting two minutes and 42 seconds.

See the eclipse in Henderson

In Henderson, the eclipse will begin at 12:45 p.m., according to Eclipse2024.org. The city will see two and a half minutes of totality, beginning between 2:02 and 2:03 p.m.

Kentucky prepares for increased traffic during upcoming total solar eclipse

What is a solar eclipse?

According to National Geographic, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, creating a shadow on our planet called an umbra.

There are also different kinds of eclipses. A total eclipse occurs when the moon blocks out the entire sun and a partial eclipse occurs when the moon only blocks part of the sun.

Total solar eclipse 2024 Where to get eclipse glasses to experience the eclipse safely in Kentucky

What is a total solar eclipse?

According to the IU official website, a total eclipse takes place when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, placing the Earth in its shadow. The time it takes place, as well as the duration, are influenced by factors like the distances between the sun, moon and Earth, the moon’s phase and the axial tilt of the Earth and moon.

How often do solar eclipses occur?

Solar eclipses take place pretty frequently, occurring two to five times per year, according to the Natural History Museum. However, a total solar eclipse typically takes place every 18 months, around a year and a half apart.

How can viewers stay safe during the solar eclipse?

Transportation officials recommend the following safety precautions for eclipse watching:

• Get eclipse-viewing glasses early. Regular sunglasses are not safe.
• Fill up your gas tank before traveling in the event of traffic delays.
• Do not stop along highways or emergency shoulders.
• Do not take pictures while driving. Exit the highway to view or photograph the event.
• Turn on headlights.
• Drive alert and watch for pedestrians.
• Come early, stay late. This will help minimize major traffic delays.
• Plan ahead. Book accommodations early and select a viewing destination before you travel. Locations with restrooms and food will be in high demand.
• Travel with enough food and water for everyone in your vehicle. Expect lines at restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores.
• Check the local weather.

When is the next solar eclipse?

According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. following the April occurrence won’t be until Aug. 23, 2044.