La Fiesta del Sol:
Total Solar EclipseSan Antonio 2024
Everything You Need to Know
The Texas Hill Country will experience a total solar eclipse, aka “totality” on April 8, 2024. During this event, the moon will completely block the sun, creating one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. The next total solar eclipse in the area won’t appear again until well into the 23rd century.
Click here to see the map of the eclipse.
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse, occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking out the sun’s disk. This phenomenon only happens during the new moon phase when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line. During the eclipse, the sky darkens as the moon covers the sun, revealing the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
Where & When to View the Eclipse:
All parts of the San Antonio and Hill Country areas will experience the eclipse! Kerrville and Fredericksburg are both in the path for perfect “totality” but several nearby areas fall under that area of totality. Below are specific times of totality and duration, provided by Eclipse 2024:
- San Antonio: Totality begins 1:33 PM;
duration 2 min, 23 sec - Bandera: Totality begins 1:31:51 PM;
duration 4 min, 4 sec - Boerne: Totality begins 1:32:48 PM;
duration 3 min, 34 sec - Comfort: Totality begins 1:32:30 PM;
duration 4 min, 11 sec - Fredericksburg: Totality begins 1:32:58 PM,
duration 4 min, 24 sec - Kerrville: Totality begins 1:32:07 PM;
duration 4 min, 24 sec
Local Viewing Events & Locations:
What to Expect and Prepare:
Professional and amateur astronomers will flood the area to position themselves under the path of totality. Expect lots of extra traffic and driving delays. Plan ahead and leave in the morning to find a location to view. Pack a picnic lunch, beverages, bug spray, blankets or chairs, sunscreen, hats, outdoor activities and toilet paper (just in case!).
Equipment & Supplies:
To safely observe eclipse, you must protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient for safe viewing.
- Solar Glasses: These are specially designed glasses that have lenses that filter out harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, allowing you to look directly at the sun during the eclipse. Make sure your glasses are ISO 12312-2 certified for safe solar viewing.
- Filters (Binoculars & Telescopes) If you’re using binoculars, telescopes, or cameras to view the eclipse, you’ll need solar filters specifically designed for these devices.
- Pinhole Projector: If you prefer not to look directly at the sun, create fun pinhole projectors using a piece of cardboard with holes punched in it. This will project an image of the eclipse onto a surface, such as another piece of cardboard or the ground.
Cool Eclipse Experiences:
Diamond Ring
Just before and after totality, a bright spot of sunlight can be seen shining through, creating the appearance of a “diamond ring” effect. This is one of the most iconic moments of a total solar eclipse.
Baily’s Beads
As the moon moves to completely cover the sun during the early stages of totality, small beads of sunlight can shine through the valleys and mountains along the moon’s edge. These beads, known as Baily’s Beads, create a stunning visual effect.
Corona
During totality, the sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, becomes visible as a glowing halo surrounding the dark silhouette of the moon. The corona is usually hidden by the sun’s glare, so witnessing it during a total solar eclipse is a breathtaking experience.
Prominences
These are large, bright features that extend from the sun’s surface into the corona. Prominences can be seen along the edges of the sun’s disk during totality, adding to the dramatic appearance of the eclipse.
Helpful Links:
Changes in Wildlife
During totality, animals may exhibit unusual behavior, such as birds returning to their roosts or insects ceasing their activities. Observing these changes in wildlife adds an extra dimension to the eclipse experience.
Temperature Drop
As the moon blocks out the sun’s heat during totality, temperatures can drop noticeably. This rapid cooling effect is another interesting aspect of experiencing a total solar eclipse.
Shadow Bands
Just before and after totality, thin bands of alternating light and dark can sometimes be seen moving rapidly across the ground. These shadow bands are caused by the sun’s light being refracted and distorted as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a mesmerizing rippling effect.
360-Degree Sunset
Along the horizon in all directions, you may witness a sunset-like glow as the sky darkens during totality. This creates a unique and surreal atmosphere unlike anything you’ve seen before.
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