This week we’re looking ahead to a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle headed your way this year you’ll want to have on your calendars. The first solar eclipse in 38 years is slated for Monday, August 21, 2017, and Cape Girardeau is in a prime spot to catch the celestial show.
A total eclipse takes place about once every 18 months, but it's very unique for the eclipse to be so visible from the contiguous U.S.. In addition, Cape Girardeau is located directly in the path of totality, giving this river city 1 minute and 41 seconds under the Moon's shadow.
To enjoy the maximum duration of the totality of the eclipse, make plans to be in Cape Girardeau on the afternoon of Monday, August 21, 2017. Great spots to enjoy the show include Cape Rock Park, Cape County Park and the overlook at Trail of Tears State Park. A planned viewing party is in the works at the Cape Regional Airport, and Southeast Missouri State University is celebrating with speakers, games, contests and a viewing event. Just north of Cape Girardeau by about 30 minutes, Perryville, Missouri is preparing to welcome astronomy fans for a full two minutes and 40 seconds of totality. Our neighbors in southern Illinois at Carbondale are welcoming NASA and the Adler Planetarium of Chicago for an expected two minutes and 35 seconds of totality.
Mark your calendars for August 21, 2017 for the Great American Eclipse!
Get the full scoop on all of these events and more at VisitCape.com/Events.
