Hopkinsville is nearest the point of greatest eclipse. At 1:24 p.m. on Aug. 21, the moon will pass in front of the sun and cast darkness over the rolling farmland, plunging it into darkness for 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
Tens of thousands will watch the eclipse from Hopkinsville — some estimates say 100,000 people from as far as Japan and South Africa will descend on the town of 32,000.
One shop owner says she'll camp at work instead of risking traffic, though the city has requested the National Guard's help on roads, and the airport is being upgraded.
The mayor says Hopkinsville residents are ready and excited to host eclipse-chasers from around the world.
