LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Monday is the day millions of people have been waiting for where the solar eclipse will sweep across the United States from Texas to Maine.
A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light, NASA explains. This rare event can be observed only in specific regions.
According to NASA, an estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality this year.
When the eclipse begins and how long it'll last depends on where you are in reference to the path of totality. For some, the eclipse could be as long as four minutes.
At least 150,000 people are projected to visit several Western Kentucky counties, with more than 1 million travelers expected to drive through Kentucky to viewing spots along the main path in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
The solar eclipse will impact eight Kentucky counties, including Fulton, Hickman Ballard, McCracken, Livingston, Crittenden, Union and Henderson counties. It will also clip four others, such as Carlisle, Graves, Webster, and Daviess counties.
The solar eclipse passes through Kentucky starting at 2:58 p.m. with the final exit of the Moon’s shadow from the state at 3:01 p.m.
According to the Great American Eclipse, the key city inside the path of totality is Paducah on the Ohio River. The winding course of the Ohio River goes in and out of the path of totality several times.
Here's how long totality will be:
- Wickliffe - 2 minutes, 44 seconds
- Carrsville - 2 minutes and 41 seconds
- Henderson - 2 minutes, 30 seconds
- Paducah - 1 minute, 31 seconds
- Marion - Right on the edge of the path. It's airport will get about 50 seconds
Cities like Louisville, Owensboro, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and Murray are unfortunately not in the path of totality.
If you would like to search your own city or town to find the time in totality, click here. Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast here.
Be sure to join WHAS11's Chief Meteorologist Ben Pine and Meteorologist Christina Sanjuan in French Lick for the WHAS11 Eclipse Watch Party on April 8!
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