TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas [KXAN] — Travis County officials are gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in 2024, as a total solar eclipse is expected to pass over the Central Texas region.
A total solar eclipse will pass over the Hill Country region on April 8, 2024, from 1:32-1:41 p.m. The astronomical phenomenon happens when the sun, moon and Earth are directly aligned, resulting in a shadow from the moon darkening the sky during the day.
Total solar eclipses happen approximately every 18 months around the world, with the last one witnessed in the continental U.S. on Aug. 21, 2017. Approximately 20 million Americans saw the 2017 eclipse.
In 2024, Texas will be the first state the eclipse hits before heading to the northeast, said Dawn Davies, night sky program manager with the Hill Country Alliance. She said upwards of tens to hundreds of thousands of visitors could travel to Central Texas to witness the event, which will happen in tandem with the region’s already popular wildflower, bluebonnet and migratory bird seasons.
“It’s somewhat of the perfect storm,” she said.
Currently, Davies is working to coordinate with other Central Texas counties on their eclipse plans to help ensure they can handle the influx of traffic and visitors expected to come.
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Astronomer Michael Brewster told Travis County commissioners Tuesday he has spoken with many people who plan to visit Austin during the eclipse, adding this will be a tremendous tourism opportunity for the region. He flagged Burnet and Fredericksburg as two Central Texas areas that can expect spectacular views.
In our neck of the woods, the northwestern portion of Travis County will be in the path of totality — or will be able to see the total path of the eclipse — while the southeastern portion will not. As a result, he said the county should expect to see a surge of traffic during the eclipse.
On Tuesday, commissioners approved a resolution which will include participating in the Hill Country Alliance’s roundtable to learn more about preparations for the total eclipse. The county will also work in tandem with its parks, emergency services, sheriff’s office and communications departments on how to best plan for the phenomenon.
Travis County will also work in coordination with Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Austin Visitors Bureau, local city and county governments, colleges, hospitals, universities and school districts to enhance local and regional eclipse experiences.
“This is kind of like hosting the Olympics of astronomy,” Brewster said. “There’s going to be people coming from all over the world, and we can expect a very major event.”
The total eclipse set to take place April 8, 2024, will dazzle everyone who views it. Here are some of the best places to see to see the 2024 eclipse.
The total solar eclipse set to occur April 8, 2024, will dazzle everyone who views it. However, potential observers might have some questions.
Where exactly in Mexico and the U.S. will totality be visible? That’s easy to answer with a detailed map, such as the one below. But which locations are the best spots to view the event? That answer is less straightforward.
You’ll surely want to set up shop near the center line of the eclipse, where totality will last the longest. But what else makes for a good viewing site for a total solar eclipse? Below are 20 great locations you should consider for the 2024 Great North American Eclipse, starting in Mexico and working to the Northeast U.S.
I’ll also offer one other suggestion when choosing a site: Carefully consider the population. All things being equal, a town of 10,000 is much more likely to have event-related problems than a city of 75,000. Traffic will be one of the primary issues; small communities with one main road may suffer hours of gridlock. If you opt to travel to such a location, get there early — perhaps even a day or two ahead of the eclipse. [Remember: April 8, 2024, is a Monday, and most people will be free the entire weekend beforehand.]
Drive safe and don’t forget your eclipse glasses. I wish you all clear skies!
1. Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
The Moon’s umbra touches the coast of the United Mexican States at 12:07 p.m. Mexican Pacific Daylight Time less than 12 miles [19 km] southeast of Mazatlán, which was one of the main destinations for travelers viewing the July 11, 1991 total solar eclipse. This city knows how to host a large influx of travelers, so it’s a good bet that it will be a prime destination.
Eclipse starts: 9:51:28 a.m. MPDT
Eclipse ends: 12:32:11 p.m. MPDT
Maximum eclipse: 11:09:39 p.m. MPDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 69.1°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 18 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 123.7 miles [199.1 km]
2. Nazas, Durango, Mexico
At 1:15 p.m. Mexican Central Daylight Time, the umbra arrives at Nazas. This town of some 4,000 residents will surely see that number swell because it is the nearest location to the point of longest totality. The town itself will enjoy that duration, but the actual spot is about 3 miles [5 km] to the north, just east of Durango Paso Nacional, the road that connects Nazas to San Luis del Cordero. If you’re headed here for the longest possible totality, get there at least a day early.
Eclipse
starts: 11:58:24 a.m. MCDT
Eclipse end: 2:39:42 p.m. MCDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:17:17 p.m. MCDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 69.8°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 28 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 122.6 miles [197.4 km]
3. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico
A large city that lies across the Rio Grande River from Eagle Pass, Texas, is Piedras Negras. Anyone from the U.S. who wants to experience the maximum duration of totality [4 minutes 28 seconds], will either cross the Eagle Pass–Piedras Negras International Bridge or the Camino Real International Bridge. Using Piedras Negras as a base is a good idea because its metro population is a quarter million, so it contains lots of amenities for travelers.
Eclipse starts: 12:10:08 p.m. CDT
Eclipse end: 2:51:17 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:29:37 p.m.
CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 68.6°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 25 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 120.9 miles [194.5 km]
4. Radar Base, Texas
For eclipse chasers who want the greatest possible amount of totality without leaving the U.S., consider Radar Base, which lies right on the U.S.–Mexico border. Its name, by the way, isn’t that of a military base but instead a small town of several hundred residents. That number will balloon on eclipse day, so be sure to get there early.
Eclipse starts: 12:10:26 p.m. CDT
Eclipse end: 2:51:30 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:29:53 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 68.5°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 27 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 120.9 miles [195.5 km]
5. Kerrville, Texas
While San Antonio certainly will be the base of operations for many eclipse chasers, most will not stay there, opting instead to head to the center line for an additional minute of umbral darkness. Several small towns lie centered in the path, the largest of which is Kerrville, with roughly 24,000 residents. Be sure to check in advance for any eclipse-related activities.
Eclipse starts: 12:14:43 p.m. CDT
Eclipse end: 2:55:29 p.m. CDT
Maximum
eclipse: 1:34:17 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 67.5°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 25 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 120.2 miles [193.4 km]
6. Lampasas, Texas
Many travelers will choose to base in Austin, the state capital of Texas. It’s a good choice because that city features lots of amenities, especially in the food and music realms. Unfortunately, it lies near the southern limit of the path of totality. So, a good choice on eclipse day would be to drive the 68 miles [109 km] north to Lampasas, which lies quite near the center line.
Eclipse starts: 12:18:03 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 2:58:23 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:37:35 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 66.5°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 24 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 119.7 miles
[192.6 km]
7. Hillsboro, Texas
Although not a huge city, Hillsboro is an easy destination, lying, as it does, on Interstate 35 where I-35E and I-35W split south of Dallas. It also lies right along the center line of totality, which will help maximize your time under the Moon’s umbra.
Eclipse starts: 12:21:23 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 3:01:16 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 2:40:53
p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 65.5°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 23 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 119.2 miles [191.8 km]
8. Sulphur Springs, Texas
Another great location in the Lone Star State is Sulphur Springs. It lies along Interstate 30, so getting there won’t be a problem. Although the city isn’t huge [less than 20,000 residents], there are many open areas. One is Coleman Lake and Park, which offers 186 acres with trails and waterfalls. Cooper Lake State Park lies 15 miles [24 km] north. It has more than 2,500 acres of land and nearly 20,000 acres of lake. Observing from a boat would certainly be relaxing. And you’ll only lose 2 seconds of totality compared to Sulphur Springs.
Eclipse starts: 12:25:38 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 3:04:52 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:45:04 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at
maximum eclipse: 64°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 21 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 118.4 miles [190.6 km]
9. Russellville, Arkansas
With a population near 30,000, Russellville has enough resources to host a moderate influx of visitors for the eclipse. Those eclipse chasers who prefer to observe the event outside the city could head for nearby Mount Nebo, a flat-topped mountain that rises 1,350 feet [410 meters] above the surrounding valley.
Eclipse starts: 12:33:08 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 3:10:46 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:52:10 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 49.0°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 11 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 117.2 miles [188.6 km]
10. Cape Girardeau, Missouri
The largest city in southeastern Missouri that will experience totality is
Cape Girardeau, with its 80,000 residents. It lies on the bank of the Mississippi River and is easily accessible from Interstate 55. For an additional 4 seconds of totality, eclipseophiles can head 10 miles [16 km] west on State Route 72 to Jackson.
Eclipse starts: 12:41:51 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 3:17:26 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 2:00:21 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 57.3°
Duration
of totality: 4 minutes 6 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 115.5 miles [185.9 km]
11. Vincennes, Indiana
This small city of some 16,000 residents lies along U.S. Highway 50 [east-west] and U.S. Highway 150, which becomes U.S. Hwy. 41 [north-south]. It’s a quick hop from Interstate 69. More importantly, it sits squarely on the eclipse’s center line, so it will probably be a popular destination for inhabitants of the region.
Eclipse starts: 1:46:59 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:20:57 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:04:55 p.m. EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 54°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes, 5 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 114.5 miles [184.3 km]
12. Indianapolis, Indiana
The umbra will cover a wide swath of Indiana, but most of the attention will focus on the state’s capital city. Downtown Indianapolis is a metropolis served by four interstate highways and will surely be one of the most sought-after destinations. It offers plentiful lodging, excellent cuisine, and many attractions for travelers.
Eclipse starts: 1:50:31 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:23:10 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:07:56 p.m. EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 53°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 49
seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 114 miles [183.4 km]
13. Lima, Ohio
This small city of 36,000 is well positioned for viewing the eclipse and is just large enough to handle a moderate influx of visitors. For those who want the maximum possible length of totality, you’ll get 6 additional seconds if you drive south on Interstate 75 to Wapakoneta, and an extra second if you continue south to the center line.
Eclipse starts: 1:54:51 p.m.
EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:26:01 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:11:43 p.m. EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 50.8°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 51 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 113 miles [181.9 km]
14. Cleveland, Ohio
With a metro population of more than 2 million, this city will host a multitude of eclipse chasers. Get there a couple of days early, and fill the waiting time with visits to some of Cleveland’s highlights, including the Cleveland Museum of Arts and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Eclipse starts: 1:59:20 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:28:57 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:15:37 p.m. EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 48.6°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 49 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 111.9 miles [180.1 km]
15. Erie, Pennsylvania
The only large city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be graced by the Moon’s umbra is Erie, which, with its 100,000 residents, sits on the shore of the Great Lake that bears its name. It’s certain that many eclipse chasers from Pittsburgh, 130 miles to the south via Interstate 79, will visit for the event.
Eclipse starts: 2:02:23 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:30:48 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:18:12 p.m.
EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 47°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 42 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 111.2 miles [179 km]
16. Niagara Falls, New York
If the Northeastern United States has good weather on eclipse day, the most picturesque images of the event might come from Niagara Falls. One of the best perspectives will come from the outlook called Terrapin Point, where the Sun will hang halfway up in the southwest — directly over the Falls! Science buffs who observe or photograph the eclipse from this area surely will want to visit the Nikola Tesla Monument within Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. It lies only 0.3 mile [0.5 km] north of Terrapin Point.
Eclipse starts: 2:04:50 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:31:57 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:20:02 p.m. EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum
eclipse: 45.6°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 31 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 110.8 miles [178.4 km]
17. Buffalo, New York
The largest city in New York that will experience the Moon’s umbra is Buffalo, with its metropolitan population of 1.1 million. The center line passes right through downtown, so expect all activity to come to a screeching halt in mid-afternoon. Travelers desiring information about the eclipse might want to check with the staff of Zygmunt Planetarium, which is part of the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Eclipse starts: 2:04:54 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:32:07 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:20:11 p.m. EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 45.6°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 45 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 110.7 miles [178.2 km]
18. Plattsburgh, New York
This small city of roughly 20,000 residents makes this list primarily because it’s a one-hour drive from Montréal, Canada’s second most populous city. Montréal itself will enjoy nearly 2 minutes of totality, but all serious eclipse chasers will head south to the center line for that additional 90 seconds. Good choice.
Eclipse starts: 2:14:02 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:37:04 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:27:29 p.m. EDT
Sun’s
altitude at maximum eclipse: 40.4°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 33 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 108.4 miles [174.5 km]
19. Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Those Canadians who may not wish to cross the border can opt for Sherbrooke, which is only a 100-mile [161 km] drive from Montréal. With a metro population of nearly a quarter million, Sherbrooke offers plenty of lodging and other amenities. And a quick 10-mile [16 km] drive south will bring you to the center line and 5 additional seconds of totality.
Eclipse starts: 2:16:35 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:38:13 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:29:23 p.m. EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 38.8°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 25 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 107.8 miles [173.5 km]
20. Mars Hill, Maine
To be honest, Mars Hill is a small town of some 1,500 residents. But just think of it: an amateur astronomer watching the Moon cover the Sun from a place named Mars Hill? Terrific. This location also is one of the last spots in the U.S. to see totality. But if you’re one of those serious types, just drive 20 miles [32 km] south for an additional 10 seconds of totality.
Eclipse starts: 2:22:20 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 4:40:52 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 3:33:41
p.m. EDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 35.2°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes 12 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 106.2 miles [171 km]