Turn your eyes to the sky this April for an epic event that won’t be seen again in the contiguous United States until 2044. Only 15 states, including Southeast Missouri, sit in the path of totality for the next total solar eclipse, a rare celestial event that will plunge towns and cities into total darkness for more than four minutes in some areas. If you’ve not yet begun, start making plans for where you’ll view the total solar eclipse in 2024 in Missouri.

Clear your calendar for April 8, 2024, for the next total solar eclipse that will travel through Southeast Missouri, including Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau, as it passes from Mexico through the United States and to Canada.

A total solar eclipse, as explained by NASA, occurs when “the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun.” Those in the path of totality will experience total darkness for as long as four minutes and 28 seconds; that will occur near Nazas and Torreon, Mexico.

We’ll have little trouble finding a place to view the total solar eclipse in Missouri. Twenty state parks sit in the path of totality; dozens of others will offer views of a partial solar eclipse.

Among those state parks in the path of totality, Lake Wappapello State Park (four minutes, 13 seconds), Bollinger Mill State Historic Site (four minutes, 11 seconds), and Trail of Tears State Park (four minutes, 10 seconds) will experience the longest totality time. Current River State Park will have the shortest time in totality at 55.2 seconds.

If you’re planning to travel to one of the Missouri state parks to see the total eclipse, you may be able to book a stay at the state park’s campground. Or, check out Hotels.com or Vrbo for other accommodations.

However, the day begins with the partial solar eclipse, around 12:40 p.m. with totality expected about 1:54 p.m. Exact times depend on where you are in the state. You can find a list of all of the state parks and the expected totality time on Missouri State Parks.

During the partial solar eclipse, you must wear a pair of eclipse glasses or avoid looking at the sun to prevent permanent and temporary damage to your eyes. You can take the glasses off during totality, but be sure to put them back on before it ends.

We can find solar eclipse glasses in a variety of places, including online, at local astrology clubs, and even some public libraries.

Prepare for a temperature drop during totality as well as the quiet of the night. The sudden darkness tends to confuse wildlife, causing them to go silent.

Head over to the official website of Missouri State Parks to learn more about the solar eclipse in 2024 in Missouri and to find a full list of parks from which it will be visible.

Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? Do you plan to catch the solar eclipse in 2024 in Missouri? Where will you view it? Let us know in the comments! Echo Bluff State Park, Elephant Rocks State Park, and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park are just three of the state parks at which you can view the total solar eclipse.