LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The countdown to the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 is on.
Now that we're less than one week away and since some cities in the Central Arkansas area are expected to double or even triple in population, people have a lot of questions— we've got the answers!
How long will the eclipse last and how dark will it get?
Well, that depends on where you are.
It will start at around 1:45 pm and last about four minutes depending on how close you are to the center line (pictured below in red). If you're in the path of totality, for those few minutes, it will look like twilight during the middle of the day.
Where can you get eclipse glasses?
For any last-minute eclipse shoppers out there you have lots of options.
You can find some for purchase at many outdoor stores, or for free at some local libraries and some city tourism offices. For a complete list of where to find eclipse glasses, click here.
Each city has a different plan for how they're handling the solar event.
North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick explained that they have plenty of glasses between their ANP and visitor's bureau.
"If you need some, we got them without a doubt," he added.
What should you do for those who might not keep their glasses on? Is the eclipse safe for kids to watch?
A local ophthalmologist explained that if a child rips off their glasses and isn't listening, it could potentially get dangerous.
"In general, put the glasses [back] on your children, if they're wearing them, you're all good," Dr. Paul Philips advised.
How are cities like North Little Rock working to keep everyone safe?
Mayor Hartwick explained that they have increased patrols ahead of the solar event.
"We want to make sure all of our streets are clear because there will be some emergencies. So security's good, all hands on deck," he added.
Can businesses charge more for things like gas, parking, and food during the eclipse weekend?
With hundreds of tourists coming to Arkansas, round-trip flights to Little Rock for the eclipse are costing around a thousand dollars. Some hotels are even more than double their usual rate.
However, according to Attorney General Tim Griffin, as long as it is a real business, he said that they legally can charge more.
“Prices for gas and other goods and services may rise and fall to meet market demands around a unique event like the eclipse, but our state’s anti-price gouging laws only apply when the Governor declares a state of emergency," he explained.
We also have answers to questions about traffic expectations and viewing locations.
For more information about the total solar eclipse, you can check out THV11.com/eclipse.