When the eclipse happens on Monday, it's almost a certainty that humans will look to the sky in awe, but what about animals?
"We really don't know what's going to happen with animals when the total eclipse happens," Jim Bartoo with the Nashville Zoo, said, adding that not much research has been done on the topic.
For people at the zoo, they'll be able to take observations of what animals there do, whether it be migrating toward the spot they sleep, or looking up to the sky, but outside of the zoo, Bartoo thinks insects may show the most obvious signs.
"When it starts to get darker outside, you'll be listening more than watching," Bartoo explained, saying that bugs may chirp, frogs may croak, and owls may hoot.
At the zoo, the first 5,000 guests will get free solar eclipse glasses, and when eyes aren't focused on the eclipse, guests will be able to enjoy all of the animals at the zoo.
"You have about an hour and a half leading up to (the eclipse) to really observe animals as it becomes this false night and then again as it becomes a false dawn again after the total eclipse," Bartoo said.
And what about plants? Will they notice anything and change their behavior at all?
"Plants just like humans develop circadian rhythms," Peter Grimaldi, vice president of gardens and horticulture at Cheekwood, said.
That means plants know when it's daytime or nighttime, regardless of whether the sun is shining or not.
"The plants really aren't gonna notice," Grimaldi said.
While Cheekwood is normally closed on Mondays, they will be open for a special eclipse viewing party where visitors will be able to see the solar event surrounded in the beauty of their gardens.
"Everything we're doing here is elevated and enhanced with music and food and activities," Grimaldi said.
Tickets were being sold to Cheekwood's event, and they were anticipating they were going to sell out.
