Preparations underway for solar eclipse in the Mid-South
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two weeks from today, one of the most exciting astronomical events will take place – a total solar eclipse.
On April 8, a large portion of the United States will be treated to the eclipse even though portions of the Mid-South will not be in what’s called the ‘path of totality.’
“Everybody knows American Paper Optics produces safe solar glasses. I’ve been doing it for 33 years,” said John Jerit, American Paper Optics President and CEO.
The world’s largest 3-D optics company is in overdrive making glasses for millions of people hoping to witness the solar eclipse.
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“The demand is unprecedented for this upcoming U.S. Total Solar Eclipse,” Jerit said. “We’ve already manufactured about 70 million glasses and I suspect by the end of the next two weeks, we’ll suppass 75 million glasses manufactured and shipped. It’s crazy.”
The company is producing about one and a half million specially designed glasses a day that many will wear to see the celestial phenomenon.
But American Paper Optics says beware of counterfeits. They say to look for glasses with their name, address, and a stamp on them because they’ve been tested for safety.
“There are a lot of counterfeit glasses that are being offered on Amazon and eBay,” he said. “Just buy from a domestic manufacturer or website ‘eclipseglasses.com’ and you’ll be safe.”
Why is the 2024 total solar eclipse so unique?
Next week, Memphis will experience a partial solar eclipse where the moon only covers part of the sun. The path of totality will be in Central and West Arkansas. The closest city in the eclipse path is Jonesboro.
Jim Jackson, the executive director of the West Memphis Advertising and Promotions Commission, says West Memphis will be ready, too.
“We’re going to be totally dark for about two minutes. Cities like West Memphis are bracing for a massive influx of tourists,” Jackson said. “The eclipse is anticipating to draw somewhere between 750 maybe a million people to Arkansas. That only has a population of two million people.”
Hotels, restaurants, parks, and roadways are expected to be packed.
Sonic Drive-In celebrates upcoming solar eclipse with new menu item
“I think traffic control is one of the biggest things that we’re going to have to deal with,” Jackson said. “Hopefully, people will take their time because with the two interstates coming together like they do here in West Memphis, it’s going to be a lot of traffic.”
Many are bracing for the event that will only last a few minutes and then disappear almost as quickly as the sun.
“Come out and watch this amazing experience,” Jerit said. “It’s going to be amazing, just two weeks away from today.”
Memphis will not be in the path of totality for this eclipse, meaning the sun will not be completely covered.
Still, about 98% of the sun will be blocked during the eclipse in Memphis and other parts of the Mid-South.
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