Total Eclipse of the Central Texas Heart

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will take place, and the path of totality will travel directly over Central Texas. Skies will darken completely in the middle of the day within the path of totality when the sun is blocked by the moon.

The City anticipates increased visitation to Central Texas by people seeking to experience this astronomical rarity. The City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (Austin HSEM) and its partners in public safety are prepared for the event and ready assist other jurisdictions if needed. The Austin and Travis County Emergency Operation Center will be activated on Sunday and Monday.  

“Being in the path of totality for the solar eclipse is a special and once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Ken Snipes, Director of Austin HSEM. “Because the chance to see a total eclipse is so rare, we anticipate thousands of visitors to our area for this event. We encourage Central Texans to plan accordingly and to safely watch the event.”

What Happens During a Total Solar Eclipse

During a total solar eclipse, the moon travels between Earth and the sun at a point of its orbit in which it is close enough to Earth to completely block the sun. The path of totality will travel northeast across North America with the first location experiencing totality along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The path will then cross the U.S. passing through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.  

Prior to experiencing totality, the moon will begin to cover the sun as it moves across the sky, resulting in partial coverage. Locations outside the path of totality will not experience complete darkness because the moon will not completely cover the sun, but they will experience a partial eclipse. For more information on how eclipses work visit science.nasa.gov/eclipses.

The length of time a location will experience total darkness depends on how close one is to the center of the path of totality. For example, Downtown Austin is anticipated to receive approximately 2 minutes of darkness beginning at 1:36 p.m. Cities further west near the center of the path like Johnson City (4 minutes, 1 second), Fredericksburg (4 minutes, 23 seconds), and Kerrville (4 minutes, 24 seconds) will experience more time of totality. These areas are expected to have a large number of travelers, and traffic will be much greater than usual the day of the eclipse in these locations.

This is the first time a total solar eclipse will be viewable in the contiguous United States since 2017, and the first path of totality in Texas since 1900. The next total solar eclipse will be viewable in the lower 48 states in 2044, but the next total solar eclipse with totality over Central Texas will not occur until 2343.

Where to Watch

Austin HSEM has created a website that compiles information from around the region on safety, viewing tips, events, and more.  

Austin Public Library and Austin Parks and Recreation Department facilities are hosting educational programming for all ages about the eclipse. Some locations will also have eclipse glasses available.  

For a full list of place to watch the eclipse in Austin and around the region go to ReadyCentralTexas.org/eclipse.

Cell Service, Travel and Road Safety  

With so many visitors expected in Central Texas, cell towers could be overwhelmed. The City encourages everyone to have a plan in place to communicate with family and friends if cell phone service is impacted.  

The City encourages community members to plan travel ahead of time, to work from home if possible and refuel your vehicle prior to the weekend to avoid congestion at gas stations. If you are driving during the eclipse focus on the road, turn on your lights and never wear eclipse glasses driving behind the wheel.

If you stop to watch, be mindful of where you pull over or park. Do not park on shoulders, medians, tall grass, or in the middle of the road. Park your vehicle in safe and designated areas.  

Airport travelers should contact their respective airlines directly for any flight questions or concerns. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expects long lines at rental car return and pick-up locations so please arrive early if you are traveling.

Stay informed about traffic patterns and road closures through local news sources.

Protect Your Eyes and Watch Safely  

• Never look directly at an eclipse without eye protection. Once the moon is covering the sun, eclipse glasses can be removed, and it is safe to look at the corona around the moon.  
• You must use eclipse glasses or eclipse viewers.  
• To be protective enough, eclipse glasses must be certified, meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard, and be free of scratches to the material.  
• Never look through the lens of a telescope, binoculars, or camera at an eclipse, unless you have an approved solar filter attached to the front, or you can experience severe eye injuries.
• Never use regular sunglasses to look at an eclipse. Sunglasses are not enough and will not protect your eyes from harm.
• You can also use Welder’s glass, No. 13 or 14, which will provide enough protection, yet still allow you to see the eclipse.  
• Supervise children and ensure they do not look into the sun, to avoid eye injury.  
• Remember to wear sun protection like sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats if you are going to be outside. The sun can still be bright, and you can receive sunburns.

Eclipse glasses are widely available at retailers in the area and online. Get eye protection as soon as you can. As the eclipse date gets closer, it may be harder to find the eye protection you will need for safe viewing. A list of city parks and libraries distributing glasses and hosting watch party events can be found at ReadyCentralTexas.org/eclipse.  

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