Nashville might not be directly in the cosmic spotlight this Monday, but that doesn't mean its residents can't partake in the solar eclipse festivities. With the moon set to carve a path of near-totality across Middle Tennessee, events are springing up around the Music City to celebrate the rare celestial dance. Although fully immersed in the shadow of the moon Nashville is not, a spectacle is still to surely be had, as the city catches a partial eclipse from around 12:45 p.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m.
WSMV made the clear that there are gatherings aplenty for those eager to witness the sky’s grandeur, but clouds may play spoil-sport for some. Despite potential cloudy skies, NewsChannel 5 Meteorologist Lelan Statum remains optimistic. In an informative talk with local astronomer Theo Wellington via Facebook live, Statum shared that Nashville will "get a pretty good view of the eclipse," since it is just a hop away from the path of totality.
For those with an eye to the sky, WKRN's forecast hints at a cloudy curtain that may obscure the view for many intent on experiencing the eclipse. Stretching from east to west, Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky are expected to witness between 90% and 98% of the total eclipse, though the weather could prove to be a vexing variable in the viewing equation.
Yet, as the countdown to the eclipse ticks to a close, enthusiasts are reminded by astronomers like Wellington to hold onto hope. Nashville's proximity to the path of totality does mean that, clouds permitting, locals will be able to enjoy a significant portion of the solar spectacle. And with the next solar eclipse not due for another 20 years, Wellington and others in the field are encouraging everyone to make the most of this opportunity.
For a detailed list of events and more information on where to celebrate the solar eclipse in and around Nashville, check out the full articles at WSMV, NewsChannel 5, and WKRN.
