National Eclipse

ECLIPSE OVERVIEW

The centerline of the eclipse enters Arkansas at approximately 12:29pm CDT, with totality beginning in that location at about 1:46pm CDT.

The centerline cuts across Ouachita National Forest, offering plenty of places to see long durations of totality in a natural setting. On the western side of the path, the eclipse crosses over much of Ozark National Forest. Both of these areas will make for scenic eclipse viewing if you can find a clear view of the sky free of trees. However, as is the case with all mountainous regions, the high elevations could result in the formation of clouds over the Ouachita and Ozark mountains that might pose a problem on eclipse day. Make sure to check short-term weather forecasts for the region in the days leading up to the eclipse.

About halfway between the centerline and the eastern edge of the eclipse path is Hot Springs National Park, one of only two U.S. national parks located along the path of totality. This unique distinction, along with relatively long totality durations and the tourist amenities offered by the adjacent historic resort city of Hot Springs, will make this area a popular viewing destination on April 8. Totality will last for about 3 minutes and 37 seconds in downtown Hot Springs.

Conway is also located between the centerline and the eastern edge of the eclipse path, closer to the former rather than the latter, with totality lasting for about 3 minutes and 53 seconds downtown. Below Conway and closer to the eastern limit of the path is the Arkansas state capital, Little Rock, where observers can expect about 2 minutes and 20 seconds of daytime darkness in the downtown area—a duration that's considered merely respectable for the 2024 eclipse. Interstate 40, which runs through both Little Rock and Conway, bisects the entire path of totality, providing easy access to maximum durations on or near the centerline.

In the northeastern corner of the state, Jonesboro is located fairly close to the eastern edge of the path, with totality lasting for about 2 minutes and 21 seconds in the downtown area. Although Memphis isn't located in the path of totality, it's close enough on the eastern side to serve as a fun base of operations for eclipse chasers. On eclipse day, just cross the Mississippi River into Arkansas and take Interstate 55 and then Interstate 555 into the path of totality in the vicinity of Jonesboro. Branson, Missouri, is another fun city that doesn't quite make the totality cut but is close enough to make a great basecamp. On the western side of the eclipse path, it's less than an hour away.

The centerline of the eclipse exits the state at approximately 3:14pm CDT, with totality coming to an end in that location at about 1:59pm CDT. From the Oklahoma-Arkansas border to the Arkansas-Missouri border, the Moon's shadow travels approximately 257 miles along the centerline in 8 minutes and 44 seconds at an average speed of 1,763 miles per hour.