The solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 was a total solar eclipse visible within a band covering parts of North America from Mexico to Canada and across the United States. The duration of totality was four minutes and 27 seconds.

Checotah resident Scott White traveled to Talimena State Park at the Big Cedar Vista in Arkansas to take some astonishing photos of the April 8 total eclipse.

White used a Canon 200mm lens with no filter. He commented, “I am not a professional photographer, but more a hobbyist that is learning to possibly be a professional in the future. This was a great learning experience though. It didn’t last long, so I had to be quick and still try to enjoy the experience.”

Another Checotah resident, Holly Lackey, also set up in her home area and captured some great shots but not the totality because of her location.

Lots of school children enjoyed seeing their first eclipse and businesses paused to let employees catch a glimpse of the eclipse too.

The courthouse lawn in Eufaula had a crowd gathered for the event.

The last eclipse occurred in 2017.

According to NASA scientists, the next total solar eclipse with a coast-to-coast path spanning the Lower 48 states will occur on August 12, 2045. Oklahoma will be in that path, as will be California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, with a partial eclipse visible across other states.