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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

A rare total solar eclipse was viewed by thousands in Chilton County on April 8 as the county sat in the near 85% coverage area. This was the first total solar eclipse that was visible in the United States since 2017, and the rare event will not happen again in the country until 2045.

The eclipse started at 12:40 p.m. local time on April 8 and lasted for two hours and 37 minutes until 3:17 p.m. The moon slowly crept in front of the sun till it reached the maximum of 85% coverage in front of it. When it reached its peak coverage at 2 p.m., the eclipse illuminated the county with a hazy, off-yellow tint to the sky that was unique in its own viewing.

While proper glasses and eye protection were strongly encouraged during the event, cloud cover in the area aided in the viewing pleasure as the clouds in front of the eclipse allowed for it to be easily viewed before the eclipse disappeared behind the afternoon rain clouds.

The line of totality, or the path where the eclipse was at maximum coverage and fully covered the sun, stretched from the Pacific coast of Mexico and moved across 15 states in the United States from Texas to Maine.