Perry County prepares for thousands of eclipse watchers in 2017

Southeast Missourian

A total eclipse of the sun will make its way over the area Aug. 21, 2017. And while this once-in-a-lifetime event is exciting to many, Perry County is one of the best spots in 12 states over which the eclipse will travel. They will have one of the longest views of the event, two minutes and 40.1 seconds. The extended view is expected to entice up to 20,000 astronomy enthusiasts to the area. Local businesses and hotels are ready. Viewing areas throughout the county will be arranged, with cooling stations and bathroom accommodations. According to NASA’s map of the solar eclipse’s path, in Cape Girardeau the eclipse will last around one minute and 47 seconds, and Jackson will have nearly one minute and 50 seconds from start to end.