LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Although the Louisville Metro wasn’t directly under the path of totality, those who were in the city still got an almost perfect glimpse of the eclipse. Many families ventured to Big Four Lawn where they set up their chairs and blankets as they prepared to look towards the sky with their protective glasses.
All heads were tilted up as the 99% totality peaked around 3:07 p.m. Monday afternoon. As the shadow rolled over the area, it could not hide Yashawna Battle's emotions as she started tearing up during the eclipse.
"I absolutely have no words," Battle said. "I just really don't have words."
Battle said she's a huge fan of events that involve space like rocket launches and eclipses. She came to Big Four Lawn along with other Louisvillians because of the convenience of staying in the city and checking out the vendors.
"The fact that it's like 20 minutes from my house I couldn't miss that opportunity," Louisville resident Kayley Tilett said.
Many people in attendance said this is their first experience, but for others it's the next adventure from the last eclipse that came through the area.
"I have seen an eclipse before in 2017 when I was in the second grade," Candace Scialli, a Prospect resident, said.
"This is a twice in a lifetime for me," said Louisville resident Joyce Redd. "I did go down to Hopkinsville in 2017 for the total eclipse. I got tearful and it was just amazing."
Some visitors hiked up Big Four Bridge to get a different perspective of the eclipse. One of those visitors was Stephen Eifler who was adjusting the camera he brought to capture the perfect shot.
"If you have enough experience with the camera it's easy enough," Eifler said. "I think I'll be able to get the tightest picture I can get from up here."
Another photographer, Jacob Wachob was also on the bridge looking to capture this moment in history.
"To just be able to say I was able to be here on this day and be part of the atmosphere is something special," Wachob said.
Battle said she enjoyed her time sitting next to her family and sharing the experience. She mentioned that the eclipse is also a spiritual moment for her as well.
"Really get a sense of creation," Battle said. "And a creator. That's why I wanted to share this with my family."
These visitors didn't get the full experience of totality, but the feeling and emotion it brought them will last forever.
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