Parks

Texas Prepares for Total Solar Eclipse

Everyone should see a total solar eclipse once in their life. Total solar eclipses are a natural phenomenon like no other, and Texas is lucky to have one pass overhead on Monday, April 8. Head to the narrow path of totality that day and experience this rare event firsthand. Along a line from Del Rio to Texarkana, the moon will briefly cover the sun around 1:30 p.m.

Wait a second, you might be thinking. Didn’t we just have an eclipse in Texas in October? October’s “Ring of Fire” eclipse, also known as an annular eclipse, was different from what we’ll see in April. During an annular eclipse, the moon doesn’t block all of the sun — it leaves a thin ring of the sun visible. If you watched October’s eclipse, you had to keep your eclipse glasses on during the entire eclipse. In April, if you’re in the path of totality, you’ll be able to take those glasses off for a brief moment and enjoy an otherworldly view.

Because the moon blocks light from the sun, a total solar eclipse seems like a sunset. Birds will fly to their roost, crickets will start chirping, and planets like Venus will become visible in the sky. Like it does at the end of the day, the air temperature will fall. But I think the effects of a solar eclipse are most significant on us, the people who watch it.

“There’s something special about the camaraderie you get from experiencing an eclipse with others,” says Laney Kohout, park interpreter at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Dinosaur Valley is one of 32 state parks in the path of totality. State parks outside the path will see a partial solar eclipse.

I’ve seen one total solar eclipse. In 2017, I drove to rural Nebraska for the chance to experience totality. As I gazed at the sun through my telescope and solar filter, the moon completely covered the sun. In the sky, a black hole remained where a sliver of the sun had been a moment ago.

Once I watched a total eclipse, I understood the appeal. Eclipse chasers travel all over the world for these phenomena, and they’ll come to Texas in April, too. It’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of visitors will travel to Texas for the eclipse.

Fortunately for us, 12 million Texans live in the path of totality! If you live along the eclipse’s route, plan to stay put on Sunday, April 7, and Monday, April 8. Traffic issues are likely to emerge. If you’re traveling for the eclipse, even if you’re not driving far, plan for emergencies. Be sure your gas tank is filled up, and bring extra water and food in case you get stuck on the road.

You may want to experience the eclipse in a state park or natural area. Don’t go unless you have a reservation. Most campsites are already booked; day use reservations will open up one month before the eclipse. As long as you get outside on April 8 — and the weather cooperates — you’re guaranteed a great view.
Park interpreter Sarah Norlin is looking forward to the experience at her park, Cedar Hill State Park in Dallas.

“Cedar Hill State Park is in totality, and we get to see a total eclipse,” she says. “I’m excited for everyone that’s going to be coming to the park. It’s a great opportunity to get outside.”