The 3 Best Places in the Tri-State For Viewing the Solar Eclipse on August 21st

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that on August 21st, 2017 there will be a full solar eclipse! NASA's website has a webpage dedicated to the solar event with a countdown and full description of what's expected:

On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. Anyone within the path of totality can see one of nature’s most awe inspiring sights - a total solar eclipse. This path, where the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun's tenuous atmosphere - the corona - can be seen, will stretch from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Observers outside this path will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun's disk.

NASA will be hosting LIVE coverage for anyone that cannot see the eclipse directly. Luckily for you, you just may be able to see this rare event live and in person. The path of the solar eclipse happens to cross through a wide area of cities located in southern Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. There are three places in particular that are perfect for catching the full eclipse!

1) Carbondale, Illinois at Southern Illinois University
Not only is Carbondale in the middle of the direct path of the eclipse, SIU is holding a viewing event for the public! The eclipse will be visible at 1:21 pm in Carbondale, Illinois on August 21st. Events include the public viewing, tailgating, talks, presentations, and more. For more information on the eclipse at Carbondale click here.

2) Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Hopkinsville, Kentucky is in the heart of the path of the solar eclipse of 2017! The eclipse will be at its longest duration in Hopkinsville spanning a whole 2 minutes and 40 seconds. For more information on seeing the eclipse in Kentucky click here!

3) Nashville, Tennessee
If we didn't already have enough awesome reasons to visit Nashville, the solar eclipse of 2017 is now one of them! The Adventure Science Center in Nashville is hosting the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival, delving into the worlds of science and technology with events and activities centered around the solar eclipse! For more information and to attend the festival click here!

No matter where you choose to go, each city has a fantastic front row seat to one of the coolest astronomy events of a lifetime.