Where to See the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Tennessee
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, offering millions of people in the U.S. a unique viewing of the rare event. A very small portion of northwest Tennessee, in addition to larger areas in the neighboring states of Kentucky and Arkansas, will fall along the path of totality, where the moon will cover 100% of the sun. But even if you aren’t able to travel to the path of totality to view the total eclipse, you’ll still be able to see a partial eclipse in every region of the state (weather permitting).
Check out the list below to discover a few of the best places to see the solar eclipse in Tennessee. You can also use NASA’s interactive map to learn more about the path of totality and get peak times to see the eclipse in your area.
And wherever you’re experiencing the eclipse, remember that eclipse glasses are necessary to prevent eye damage during the whole event, even while the sun is eclipsed by the moon.
Total Eclipse
Reelfoot Lake State Park will be one of the few places in Tennessee in the path of totality. The eclipse at the lake begins at 12:40 p.m. and ends at 3:16 p.m., with peak viewing around 1:59 p.m.
See more: 12 Unique Plans for a Spring Getaway in Tennessee
Partial Eclipse
The rest of Tennessee will see a partial eclipse. In Nashville, about 95% of the sun will be covered by the moon. The partial eclipse will begin at 12:44 p.m. and end at 3:20 p.m., peaking at 2:03 p.m.
Here are a few of the top spots in and around the city for viewing:
- The Adventure Science Center will have special eclipse programing on April 8, and eclipse glasses are included with general admission.
- The Nashville Public Library is hosting an Eclipse Spectacular from 1 to 3 p.m. Stop by Church Street Park for games, activities and more.
- Watch the eclipse from the Cumberland River on the General Jackson Showboat Eclipse Cruise.
- Tanger Outlets Nashville is hosting a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party with snacks, games, music and more.
In Memphis, the moon will eclipse nearly 98% of the sun. The partial eclipse will begin at 12:37 p.m. and end at 3:14 p.m., peaking at 1:56 p.m.
Here are a few of the top spots in and around the city for viewing:
- The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is hosting a special event on the Greensward in Overton Park featuring lunch options and free eclipse viewing glasses.
- Head to The Peabody Memphis for a watch party with a DJ on the famous Peabody Rooftop.
- Just half an hour outside Memphis, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park will host a kayak float with a park ranger during the eclipse.
East Tennessee falls within the range of 85% to 90% coverage of the sun. The eclipse peaks at 3:04 p.m. in Chattanooga (88.1%), 3:07 p.m. in Knoxville (88.6%) and 3:10 p.m. in Johnson City (87%).
Here are a few spots in the area for viewing:
- The Chattanooga Public Library is hosting a viewing event with activities, food and free eclipse glasses.
- Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton is celebrating the eclipse with special activities for visitors.
- In Greene County, David Crockett Birthplace State Park will host a viewing event from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Many other Tennessee State Parks are also hosting special events for the eclipse viewing across Tennessee. Check out the website for more details.
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