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News 2024
4/8/2024 - Total Solar Eclipse - For an interactive map of the eclipse route, check https://eclipse2024.org/eclipse_cities/statemap.html. For related news articles, check
page 2B of the Sunday 7/10/23 issue - or pages 1G & 8G of the Sunday 10/8/23 issue - or
pages 1B & 5B of the Sunday 12/17/23 issue of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
At the time of the last such eclipse in 2017, one member viewed the eclipse in Missouri. Driving north on Hwy 67 the afternoon before the eclipse, he stopped at the first significant town inside Missouri and found every motel was full. He then headed 45 miles east to near I-55 and found a motel with one last room available. The next morning, (keeping an eye on the clouds - 50% coverage - and the direction they were moving), he headed 110 miles northwest, stopping at St. Francois State Park (back on Hwy 67). The park allowed overflow cars to park on the grass and every such available space was soon filled. The sky overhead remained clear allowing everyone to witness the eclipse. ...Another person, drove to Kentucky to view the eclipse. Afterwards, he found heavy traffic on the interstate leaving the area was moving at 20 miles an hour.
For 2024, the total eclipse will be visible in 21 of 52 state parks in Arkansas. Campsites/lodging in 20 of the 21 are already sold out for the required 4-night minimum. Many RV parks in the area are nearly sold out ($100 to 200 a night usually with a 3-night minimum). One dirt bike track is leasing out space for camping. I expect stores and other facilities with large parking lots (and probably farms and other property owners) may do the same. Overall, the state with 3 million population is expecting 1.5 million visitors for the eclipse. And this is with a reasonable chance that the sky may be overcast. Texas is a larger state with more space and may have a better chance of clear skies. Check the weather forecasts.
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