In October 2023, millions gathered to witness the “ring of fire” in the sky created by a rare annular eclipse which cast the moon’s shadow from West Texas, through the heart of the state, and on to the Gulf Coast. The event was, in some ways, only a precursor to the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse that will stretch from the Rio Grande along our southern border to the Red River in the Northeastern corner of the state. Texas is the only state to witness both solar eclipses, and this within a span of six months.
More than 12 million Texans reside in the April 8th eclipse zone of totality, and it’s a sure bet that millions of other Texans and visitors will join them to view a truly spectacular celestial event. Towns, cities, educational facilities, and groups across the state are gearing up to meet a huge demand for lodging, food, and viewing opportunities.
“It’s fair to say that towns and cities are expecting a huge influx of people,” said McDonald Observatory Communications Director Emily Howard. “We have very clear weather in Texas in April, we’re very centrally located in the nation, and people from all over are bound to take advantage of that.”
What is it that draws such attention and huge numbers of viewers to a solar eclipse?
“I think it’s a very unifying experience,” Howard said. “It’s rare to have an eclipse so close. It’s beautiful, powerful, and unifying. And it’s just plain cool.”
Katie Kizziar, Assistant Director for Education and Outreach for McDonald, said the observatory in Fort Davis is planning a number of activities and viewing opportunities.
“Although the Observatory itself isn’t in the path of totality, and the eclipse there will be partial, we’re going to have viewing sessions and programs on site. But we also have opportunities in Eagle Pass (Texas) with personnel available. We’ll also have people in Austin at the University of Texas.”
For more information about the Observatory’s eclipse programs, go to mcdonaldobservatory.org/eclipse.
Be sure to subscribe to Ride Texas to receive the Winter issue and our eclipse viewing guide as well as a sampling of the sites and events scheduled in the eclipse zone of totality in Texas. Our limited special offer for the print magazine plus digital access is a two-year subscription for $20 (that’s half off the normal subscription rate). Our e-edition only rate is currently $3.99 for one year.
