4 Stellar Celestial Events That Will Blow Your Mind in Arkansas

The new year is here and it promises to be one of the best when it comes to Astronomical events but perhaps the most anticipated is the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8.

From a very young age, I have always been fascinated with the stars and heavens in fact, if I hadn't chosen radio as my career I would have probably gone into astronomy. This year not only we will witness a total solar eclipse of the sun but several other planetary alignments including the possibility of a bright new comet.

Let's take a look at 4 celestial events that will blow your mind.

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8

This is the one everyone has been waiting on for this region from Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma to as far away as New England on April 8, 2024  if you live in the direct path you will witness total darkness during this event for approximately 4 minutes and 18 seconds, according to the website Great American Eclipse. The time of the eclipse will be at 1:49:04 p.m.

Other folks living outside the shaded area could still experience a partial eclipse but none-the-less it should be a spectacular show. Just make sure you have certified solar eclipse glasses so you won't damage your eyes. If using a telescope make sure it has a reliable solar lens.

June

Sometime in late June look to the late-night eastern sky for a planetary and celestial alignment that will feature Jupiter, Mars, the Moon, and Saturn right around sunrise. This amazing event will look like very bright stars near the moon so very easy to spot with the naked eye but a telescope or binoculars should enhance the view.

August - Meteor Showers

The Perseid meteor shower is back on the night of August 12 - 13, this annual stellar event never fails to deliver a star-studded cast. The summer weather helps to make this one one to watch in the great outdoors. The best view of the Perseid meteor shower is away from lights in the country or on a lake.

October

According to THV11, the possibility of a new comet might be seen in the night sky beginning in early October and peaking around the middle of the month. At this time it's still not known how bright this comet will be or if we will be able to see it at all but the potential is there to see something amazing.

Check out this Facebook Page. for updates and spectacular photos.