Get live updates (& photos, videos) on the total solar eclipse from Memphis & Hot Springs, AR

The day of the total solar eclipse has arrived.

This afternoon, people around the Memphis area will get a chance to witness the type of celestial event rarely seen over the United States mainland. While Memphis isn't in the path of totality, it's very close.

The Commercial Appeal has reporters and photographers all over Memphis and in the path of totality in Arkansas to bring you everything you need to know about today's eclipse.

We also want to hear from you! Send photos you take of the eclipse or any eclipse-related events you attend to Metro@CommercialAppeal.com with the name of the person who took the photo and permission to use it and we might add it to our eclipse coverage!

Here are the latest updates. Check back here throughout the day as we'll have everything you need to know about the eclipse and reactions from eclipse-watchers around the Mid-South.

What time is the solar eclipse in Memphis? Can I see the solar eclipse from my location?

The Memphis area will see a partial eclipse for about 2 and a half hours. At the peak, almost 98% of the sun will be obscured by the moon for Memphis eclipse watchers.

Locally, the eclipse will start around 12:30 p.m. with the peak shortly before 2 p.m. and the eclipse ending around 3:25 p.m.

What will Memphis weather be like for the eclipse?

According to the National Weather Service, there is a likelihood of showers and clouds during peak eclipse viewing time. Conditions should be better for viewing north of Interstate 40.

Skies will be mostly sunny and the high will be near 75. The evening will be mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of rain.

Where are Memphis solar eclipse watch parties?

The Museum of Science and History, The Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis Zoo, the Peabody Hotel and the Memphis Botanic Garden are among the local institutions hosting eclipse-related events Monday.

Take a look at this story for more details on where you can check out the eclipse with other excited Memphians.

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Where can I buy solar eclipse glasses?

If you haven't gotten glasses yet, you've certainly left it to the last minute. But there are still a few places you can probably pick up some glasses.

While supplies last, free solar eclipse glasses are available at all Memphis Public Libraries branches.

In addition, Walmart, Lowe's, Target and several other retailers have been selling eclipse glasses ahead of the event.

Keep in mind, medical experts and NASA say you should never view an eclipse without proper eyeware. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause lasting damage to your eyes.

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How often does a solar eclipse happen?

If the Earth's orbit and the moon's were aligned, they would happen every month. But because the moon's is slightly out-of-sync with Earth's, the two orbits only line up occasionally.

EarthSky explains: "If the moon orbited in the same plane as the ecliptic ― Earth’s orbital plane ― we would have a minimum of two eclipses every month. There’d be an eclipse of the moon at every full moon."

And, approximately two weeks later there’d be an eclipse of the sun at the new moon for a total of at least 24 eclipses every year.

The next visible total solar eclipse to cross over the U.S. after April will come in more than two decades on Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.

What happens during a solar eclipse?

During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. This is what creates the darkness of the eclipse as the moon interrupts the sun's light. People located in the path of totality will experience a complete block of the sun for the few minutes it happens. For people located outside but near the path of totality, they will experience a partial solar eclipse. This is when the moon only covers part of the sun.

Memphis Commercial Appeal reporter Jordan Green contributed to this story.USA Today reporters Doyle Rice and Kayla Jimenez also contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Solar eclipse in Memphis: Check out our live updates, photos, videos