With less than one year left before much of Western Kentucky becomes the epicenter of the Aug. 21, 2017 total solar eclipse, the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism has created a webpage to enhance the visitor experience and inform guests of what to expect during the astronomical phenomenon.
The web page, found at kentuckytourism.com/eclipse, provides direct links to tourism offices in communities that feature prominently in the total eclipse path and has information on lodging, restaurants and events. It also has a map of the path of the total eclipse as well as optimal viewing locations and times.
“With thousands of visitors expected from all over the world, we wanted to create a clearinghouse of traveler information not only for the area most directly impacted, but also for the rest of the state,” said Kristen Branscum, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism. “This webpage creates an opportunity to not only promote the main event, but also gives visitors an opportunity to learn about all the wonderful places to see in Kentucky.”
Areas in western Kentucky will have the longest view of the total eclipse, while other parts of the state will see a partial eclipse. According to NASA, Hopkinsville will have the greatest viewing time, estimated at two minutes and 40 seconds. The eclipse is dubbed “The Great American Eclipse” because of its path from the Pacific to Atlantic coasts. A total eclipse won’t occur again over the continental United States until 2024. Many of the featured western Kentucky communities are planning organized viewing opportunities and special events.
Kentucky communities in the path of the total eclipse and featured on the webpage include Hopkinsville, Paducah, Eddyville, Princeton, Madisonville, Crofton, Kelly, Russellville, Bowling Green, Marion, Cadiz, Dawson Springs, Oak Grove, Scottsville, Kentucky Lake, Grand Rivers and Franklin.
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