Arkansas Town in Top 10 in the World to View Solar Eclipse

Arkansans are gearing up for The Great American Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, which is expected to draw millions of people into the state to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event that is expected to last a little over 4 minutes in duration.

Russellville, Arkansas Total Duration 4 Minutes 11 seconds

According to Astronomy.com, the small town of Russellville is ranked in the Top 10 in the United States for watching the solar eclipse. Russellville is geographically in one of the best places to watch and even NASA and The Weather Channel will be coming to Russellville to cover the eclipse, according to Christine Graham Executive Director of Russellville Tourism.

The other top four places to watch the solar eclipse are in Mexico so having Russellville ranked #9 in the Top 10 is a big thing for a town known for its local music, art, and historic downtown surrounded by the beauty of the mountainous region. Russellville is also known for having one of two nuclear plants in Arkansas, the one is Russellville is named, Nuclear One.

Total Eclipse of the Heart Festival

Several events are planned leading up to the big day including a Bluesfest on the Saturday before the eclipse and perhaps the most unique event planned is the Total Eclipse of the Heart Festival on April 8, the day of the solar eclipse, ranked #1 festival by Forbes. If you would like to get married during the eclipse you're encouraged to show up, the event is FREE for couples from all over the country with a live ceremony, reception, wedding cake, drinks to toast the occasion, access to a local photographer, and of course what a wedding be without some live music for dancing? Some 100+ couples are expected to be a part of this monumental moment.

According to ABC affiliate 40/29, Mayor Fred Teague wants to ensure that everyone who attends the solar eclipse will be safe as Russellville first responders will be on hand if necessary. With an influx of people expected in the area emergency personnel is a must to deal with any emergency.

For more information on the Solar Eclipse in Russellville please visit their website.

Within Arkansas, the totality of the eclipse can be seen from Interstate 30 from Texarkana to Little Rock. By the way, Hot Springs, Arkansas is one of only two National Parks that will fall in the path of the solar eclipse.