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A Cosmic Show in the
Show-Me State

Missouri’s dark night skies attract stargazers from across the country. But astronomy and space enthusiasts will be treated to a unique daytime experience on April 8, 2024. The moon will cross in front of the sun and cast a shadow along a narrow band of the Earth, transforming what would be a bright spring day into a soft, ethereal darkness.

While solar eclipses happen routinely throughout the year, a total solar eclipse is more rare, as the moon has to be the perfect distance from the Earth in its elliptical orbit to completely block out the main body of the sun. A partial solar eclipse will be visible through a wide part of North America, but the sun will be completely hidden in a narrow track, called the path of totality, which will run through southern Missouri.

Visitors are encouraged to download the MoDOT Traveler Information Map to stay aware of road conditions and traffic leading up to, during, and after eclipse-related activities.

 

Beautiful, Remember Safety

People come from around the world to witness this awe-inspiring celestial sight. However, watching a solar eclipse isn’t as simple as craning your neck toward the sky. Before the moon completely obscures the sun, you should use special-purpose solar filters or eclipse glasses. The only safe time to look at the sun without a solar filter is during the short period of totality.

Ordinary sunglasses are not enough to block out the sun’s damaging light. Protect your eyes and use the proper solar filters.

Missouri is the Best Place to View the Eclipse

The Show-Me State is showing up for the eclipse. Themed events are planned in cities and towns throughout southern Missouri. If you want to enjoy totality out in nature, you’ll find the perfect viewing spot in one of the region’s many lakes, forests, fields or other natural escapes.

The Path of Totality

The moon will completely obscure the sun in this region of Missouri, an area almost 200 miles long.

ClickTap on the cities below and discover nearby events and destinations.

Perryville Cape Girardeau Poplar Bluff West Plains Sikeston Kennett Ste. Genevieve

Perryville

Start of Partial Eclipse

Start of Partial Eclipse

12:42:03 PM CDT
Start of Total Eclipse

Start of Total Eclipse

1:58:28 PM CDT
End of Total Eclipse

End of Total Eclipse

2:02:15 PM CDT
End of Partial Eclipse

End of Partial Eclipse

3:18:40 PM CDT
Perryville Solarfest

Perryville Solarfest

With out-of-this-world themed activities — like hands-on science demos, balloon launches and unobstructed viewing sites — Solarfest is the perfect place to view the eclipse. The three-day festival also features live entertainment, food vendors and a hot air balloon glow.

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Sunburst

Cape Girardeau

Start of Partial Eclipse

Start of Partial Eclipse

12:41:55 PM CDT
Start of Total Eclipse

Start of Total Eclipse

1:58:22 PM CDT
End of Total Eclipse

End of Total Eclipse

2:02:28 PM CDT
End of Partial Eclipse

End of Partial Eclipse

3:18:55 PM CDT
Watch the eclipse in Cape Girardeau

Watch the Eclipse in Cape Girardeau

From art installations and live music to face painting and food trucks, there are numerous events and activities planned throughout Cape Girardeau.

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Sunburst

Poplar Bluff

Start of Partial Eclipse

Start of Partial Eclipse

12:39:44 PM CDT
Start of Total Eclipse

Start of Total Eclipse

1:56:21 PM CDT
End of Total Eclipse

End of Total Eclipse

2:00:29 PM CDT
End of Partial Eclipse

End of Partial Eclipse

3:17:06 PM CDT
Watch the eclipse in Poplar Bluff

Watch the Eclipse in Poplar Bluff

Poplar Bluff will be a eclipse viewing hot spot, close to many of Missouri’s most famous natural wonders, including springs, waterfalls and historic sites.

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Sunburst

West Plains

Start of Partial Eclipse

Start of Partial Eclipse

12:37:30 PM CDT
Start of Total Eclipse

Start of Total Eclipse

1:54:34 PM CDT
End of Total Eclipse

End of Total Eclipse

1:57:37 PM CDT
End of Partial Eclipse

End of Partial Eclipse

3:14:41 PM CDT
Watch the eclipse in West Plains

Party in the Path

Enjoy four days of festivities and celebrate this astronomical occurrence in West Plains. Duck races, a mural painting, historic tours and even a 5K run are just a few of the events happening in town, perfect for an unforgettable weekend.

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Sunburst

Sikeston

Start of Partial Eclipse

Start of Partial Eclipse

12:41:08 PM CDT
Start of Total Eclipse

Start of Total Eclipse

1:58:03 PM CDT
End of Total Eclipse

End of Total Eclipse

2:01:34 PM CDT
End of Partial Eclipse

End of Partial Eclipse

3:17:07 PM CDT
Watch the eclipse in West Plains

Total Eclipse of the Park

Sikeston is a wonderful spot for this astronomical spectacle. Visit the Sikeston Complex for a weekend filled with captivating events leading up to the awe-inspiring eclipse. Stay tuned for more information - it's an experience you won't want to miss.

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Sunburst

Ste. Geneviève

Start of Partial Eclipse

Start of Partial Eclipse

12:42:19 PM CDT
Start of Total Eclipse

Start of Total Eclipse

1:58:59 PM CDT
End of Total Eclipse

End of Total Eclipse

2:01:43 PM CDT
End of Partial Eclipse

End of Partial Eclipse

3:17:13 PM CDT
Watch the Eclipse in Ste. Geneviève

Watch the Eclipse in Ste. Geneviève

Witness the solar eclipse in one of the oldest European settlements west of the Mississippi River. Surrounded by wineries, natural marvels and cherished historic treasures, it’s an eclipse experience steeped in heritage and natural beauty.

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Sunburst

Kennett

Start of Partial Eclipse

Start of Partial Eclipse

12:39:25 PM CDT
Start of Total Eclipse

Start of Total Eclipse

1:57:14 PM CDT
End of Total Eclipse

End of Total Eclipse

1:59:26 PM CDT
End of Partial Eclipse

End of Partial Eclipse

3:16:00 PM CDT
Watch the Eclipse in Kennett

Watch the Eclipse in Kennett

Embark on an unforgettable eclipse experience in Kennett. Surrounded by lush, fertile fields, this town promises a front-row view. Swap crowds for tranquility, indulge in local cuisine and discover agritourism delights.

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