Dr. Peggy Hill, NASA ambassador and founder of the SEMO Astronomical Society, spoke to those in attendance at the Sikeston Tourism & Hospitality luncheon Thursday about the differences in the 2017 eclipse and the Total Eclipse that will occur on April 8.

Sikeston once again is in the path of totality and Hill said there will be a longer duration this year.

“In 2017 it lasted about 2 to 2 ½ minutes,” Hill said. “It will be four minutes this time.”

She said there will be a wider path of totality this year as well and it will be darker than last time because the shadow will be covering a larger portion of the earth’s surface.

The wider path also puts more people closer to the event with 32 million living within driving distance of the path of totality, more than the 12 million in 2017. An additional 118 million live within 200 miles.

Hill said for that reason, hotels in the area are mostly booked.

“People are planning to come,” Hill said.

Hill added with the large number of people, traffic will be a concern, especially once the eclipse ends and school letting out shortly after. She also warned of spotty cell services as many people will be taking pictures and posting to social media.

Totality in Sikeston will occur at 1:58 p.m. and last for four minutes. Hill said that with spring weather there is some uncertainty, adding there is a 50% chance of cloud cover for April 8 in Sikeston.

Those wanting eclipse glasses can get them at the Sikeston Convention and Visitors Bureau for $3 a pair. Eclipse T-shirts are also available for $20.