On April 8, 2024, we will experience a cosmic event like no other - a total solar eclipse! It's not every day the moon decides to play hide and seek with the sun, turning day into dusk and giving us a front-row seat to one of nature's most awe-inspiring shows. So, grab your eclipse glasses, call up your friends and family, and let's dive into what makes this event a must-see and how to enjoy it safely and fun!

Circle April 8th on your calendars, folks! Our city as been selected as a Top-10 Location nationwide for viewing Total Solar Eclipse on April 8. Several special activities and events are being planned for eclipse week. This isn't just any ordinary day; the moon will fully block the sun, turning day into a brief magical night. And we're in the perfect spot to see the whole show!

When to Watch

This eclipse adventure starts over the ocean and lands first in Mexico around 11:07 in the morning. But the main event for us is when it sweeps from Texas all the way to Maine, passing right over Russellville. While others might catch a glimpse of a partial eclipse, we're in for the full, jaw-dropping experience. The totality (when the sun is completely covered) is expected to last 4 minutes. Here in Russellville, the eclipse will begin at 12:33 pm and end at 3:10 pm, with totality between 1:50 and 1:54 in the afternoon.

Safety First!

Looking at the sun without protection is a big no-no. Except for a very short time when the moon completely covers the sun, you need special eclipse glasses to watch safely. Don’t use regular sunglasses; they won’t protect your eyes. Please keep a close eye on children to make sure they don't look directly at the sun.

If you are using a solar filter with your camera, telescope or binoculars, the filter has to be attached to the sun-facing end of the device. We recommend checking with an expert if you plan to view the eclipse this way. You cannot safely view the solar eclipse through these devices without a special filter. And no, you can't use your eclipse glasses as a sun filter. You have to use a proper solar filter for these devices.

Skin Safety - Even during a partial or total eclipse, you may still be in direct sunlight for several hours. So, don't forget your sunscreen!

Create Your Own Eclipse Viewer

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can watch the eclipse indirectly without looking at the sun.

Pinhole projector - punch a hole in an index card and watch the shadow of the eclipse on a wall, sidewalk or other surface. With the sun at your back, you can safely watch the eclipse without looking at the sun.

Use a colander to watch the eclipse through the shadows on the ground.

Make an eclipse projector from a cardboard box. You'll need a shite sheet of paper, tape, scissors, aluminum foil and a cardboard box. Make a two holes in the box. Tape the aluminum foil over one hole and make a small pinhole in the aluminum foil. The other hole is for viewing. Tape the white piece of paper inside the box. Stand or sit with the sun behind you. The sunlight will stream through a pinhole in the aluminum foil taped and will project the eclipse onto the white paper.

Party Time

What's better than watching this amazing event? Watching it with friends and family! Think about throwing an eclipse viewing party. It’s a great way to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe with the right kind of glasses for watching the eclipse.

Fun for Everyone

This eclipse is a fantastic chance for some fun learning. Kids (and curious adults) can make their own pinhole projectors or learn about why eclipses happen. It’s a perfect family activity that’s both fun and educational.

What’s So Special About This Eclipse?

This time around, the moon is extra close to Earth, making the eclipse last a bit longer and look even more spectacular. We’re talking about 4 minutes of day turning into night – how cool is that?

Ready, Set, Go!

As April 8 approaches, the excitement over the eclipse will just keep increasing! Most of the country will, at the very least, experience a portion of the eclipse. But we will experience a total eclipse. It’s a rare treat to see the sky change like this, and we’re lucky to have front-row seats right here in Russellville. Make sure you’ve got your safe viewing glasses, set up a cozy spot, and get ready to enjoy this cosmic spectacle together. It’s going to be awesome!

Survival Guide

Eclipse Russellville has put together a great Survival Guide for businesses and residents. Some tips include:

  • Being aware that cell service towers may be overloaded causing spotty cell service.

  • Grocery stores may run out of essential items. But, please don't panic overstock! Just get what you need in advance, but don't hoard.

  • Have extra cash on hand in case credit and debit machines go down due to extra transactions.

  • Be a good neighbor and check in with those who are homebound, elderly or disabled.

It is estimated that 30,000 to 90,000 people will be coming into Russellville for the total eclipse on April 8. So our population will drastically increase that week!

In short, be prepared, be safe, and enjoy this once in a lifetime event!