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Eclipse Visible in Lower 48 for First Time since 1979

In 1972, Carly Simon sang to a lover who flew his “Lear jet up to Nova Scotia to see the total eclipse of the sun”.  Luckily, on August 21 you only need come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to view the Moon pass between the Earth and the Sun!

The website http://www.greatamericaneclipse.com names the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as one of ten great places from which to view the eclipse.  The park offers great vistas from areas such as Clingman’s  Dome.  These expansive views offer the chance to see the shadow of the moon scurrying across the landscape–sure to be a dramatic sight, indeed.

A rare solar eclipse will be visible in Tennessee on August 21.

Park Preparing for Eclipse

The blotting out of the sun will be visible from the entire western half of the park.  Park officials are preparing public viewing events for three locations:  Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, and Oconaluftee.  You are welcome to view from other areas within and without the park on your own.  The park expects large crowds, so we advise that you make your plans well in advance of August 21.  For information and updates on events in the park, please visit http://www.nps.gov/gsm

Eclipse Details

During a total solar eclipse, the moon covers the sun so that only a sliver of the sun’s corona is visible.  In our area, the disappearance of the sun will last for one minute and 17 seconds with totality beginning at 2:35 pm EDT.  It is recommended that eclipse viewers purchase solar protective glasses far in advance, wear them while watching, and only remove them during the totality of the darkness.  At the Buckhorn we expect to fill up quickly during this time period, so please reserve your accommodations soon!  

The Buckhorn Inn provides a serene oasis from the crowds viewing the eclipse.

https://www.buckhorninn.com/lodging