Chasing Shadows • Preparing for the Total Solar Eclipse

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Millions will have the chance to enjoy a rare, fleeting cosmic spectacle during this year’s total solar eclipse that will cast a shadow across North America next month. On April 8, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth and completely block the sun, leaving viewers in darkness for a few minutes. (Not to be confused with last year’s annual solar eclipse, in which the moon passed between the sun and Earth but appeared smaller than the sun because the moon was at its farthest point from Earth.)

Unlike the annual solar eclipse in October, a total solar eclipse is much rarer. “A total solar eclipse is one of the most beautiful natural occurrences you can experience,” says Mark Bottorff, associate physics professor at Southwestern University. “If you live in the ‘lower 48,’ know that this will be the last total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States for a long time. The next one will be on August 23, 2044. So, you will either have to wait two decades or plan to travel abroad to see one!”

Total solar eclipses are rare not because they occur infrequently – one takes place every 18 months – but because they are only seen from a tiny portion of the Earth’s surface each time. The path of the 2024 total eclipse will cover less than 1 percent of Earth’s surface, stretching across Mexico, 13 states in the U.S., and Canada.

Whether you plan to watch from your backyard, attend a local viewing party, or take a road trip to a solar eclipse festival, here are some tips to help you prepare for this awe-inspiring celestial show.

In Williamson County, the full eclipse will start at 1:36pm on Monday, April 8 and last just over three minutes. To see all stages of a total solar eclipse, you must view it from a location along the path of totality.

• Safety first: Be sure to wear glasses designed for solar viewing (regular sunglasses are not sufficient and can cause permanent eye damage). Do not look at the eclipse through a camera lens, telescope, or binoculars. The only time it is safe to look at a total eclipse without eclipse glasses is during the brief period of “totality” when the sun is completely blocked by the moon.

• Plan ahead: Due to an increase in visitors coming through Central Texas to view the eclipse, residents should limit travel on major roadways on Eclipse Day, as well as refrain from stopping on road shoulders to view the eclipse. Plan ahead for possible travel delays, consider carpooling, and allow extra time to get to your destination before and after the eclipse. In addition, fill up on gas, food, and essential items prior to the eclipse as visitors to the area will affect available inventories.

• Monitor the weather: You’ll find out what the weather will be like at your chosen eclipse spot about three days beforehand. (Eclipsophile.com is a great website for checking short-term weather forecasts before Eclipse Day.) Prepare a Plan B in case of cloudy weather.

• Viewing parties: Check out Worth the Drive for a list of solar eclipse viewing parties!

Cosmic Celebration

WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A LOCAL VIEWING PARTY OR ARE WILLING TO TRAVEL TO ONE OF THE MANY ECLIPSE EXTRAVAGANZAS, CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING LIST OF EVENTS TO PLAN YOUR CELEBRATION OF THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE APRIL 8.

RIVER RANCH COUNTY PARK

Enjoy a view of the eclipse from Liberty Hill, with hands-on activities, viewing equipment, and refreshments. Experts will be on hand to provide educational information about the eclipse.

Pay Use Entry Fee • 194 Reveille Way, Liberty Hill

SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Assoc. Professor of Physics Mark Bottorff will be on site with telescopes; or bring your own to Academic Mall. Complimentary eclipse glasses provided on a first-come-first-serve basis. Food, refreshments, and commemorative eclipse-themed t-shirts and stickers available for sale. 11am–3pm.

Free Admission • 1001 E University Ave., Georgetown

INNER SPACE CAVERN

Nature enthusiasts can experience the wonders of the sky as well as the underground at Inner Space, which will host an eclipse viewing party from 12-3pm and cavern tours from 9-10:30am and 3-4pm. Picnic tables available and guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Viewing party tickets are $25.99/person and include a $10 tour discount that can be used any time.

4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown

AUSTIN

UNIVERSE IN VERSE

An annual celebration of science featuring musicians, writers, poets, artists, physicists, and astronauts who gather to give poetry readings and tell science-themed stories. This year, on the eve of the eclipse, the public is invited to gather under Waterloo Park’s starlit skies as writer Maria Popova takes listeners on a journey through the scientific discoveries of Newton, Kepler, and Galileo, as well as stories of the historic eclipse expedition that made Einstein famous and of the forgotten woman who published the first popular science book on eclipses. Throughout the event, authors will intersperse Maria’s lecture with poetry readings.

6-9pm Sunday, April 7, tickets by donation. • Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St

TOTAL ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY • APRIL 8

The Long Center will host a viewing party on its lawn with live music, a visual storytelling experience, and eclipse-themed beer from local breweries as well as food and other refreshments. The first 1,000 guests will receive eclipse tote bags and all guests will receive complimentary viewing glasses. 11am–3pm

Free Admission; must reserve tickets online • 701 W River side Dr

SPACE-THEMED STORYTIME • APRIL 9

The next morning, Radiolab host Molly Webster will lead families through a reading of her book, Little Black Hole, a space-themed story about belonging and the power of friendship. 10–11am

Free admission • Meredith Heritage Tree Deck at Waterloo Park, 1301 Trinity St

KERRVILLE

KERRVILLE ECLIPSE FESTIVAL

Guests can look forward to scientific speakers, live music, and children’s programming at Louise Hays Park. NASA will livestream the eclipse at the park with the City of Kerrville, one of only three cities in the U.S. chosen by NASA to livestream the eclipse. Festival grounds will open in the morning, free and open to the public.

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Dr

KERRCLIPSE MUSIC FESTIVAL • APRIL 5-8

Guests can enjoy food and craft vendors, live music, solar eclipse-themed science presentations, live music, and camping. Ticket prices vary.

Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy kerrvillefolkfestival.org

SCULPTURE PRAYER GARDEN

Glimpse the eclipse from this 24.5-acre garden park that features Christian art. Christian author Troy Brewer will be joined by international worship minister Paul Wilbur, and food vendors, T-shirts, and eclipse glasses will be available for sale. Free admission • 520 Benson Dr

BOERNE

CAVE WITHOUT A NAME • APRIL 6-9

Visitors can enjoy a three-day, family friendly camping experience featuring cave tours, cave and outdoor concerts, eclipse viewing party, and stargazing. Ticket prices vary.

325 Kreutzberg Rd

TEXAS TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE HALF MARATHON • APRIL 8

Celebrate the eclipse with a marathon ranging from a 0.5-mile Fun Run to 5k and 10k races, followed by an after-party with the City of Boerne. Some eclipse glasses will be available. 7:30am $40+ • 102 City Park Rd

Here's to clear skies, warm hearts, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos. Happy eclipse viewing to all!