Tag: Solar Eclipse

How to prepare for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

10 ways to prepare for the upcoming eclipse. Photo: Almanac

I am totally excited about the eclipse next month and plan to be in the totality path. If this is a big event in your to do list, Total Eclipse DFW has put together a checklist to help you prepare. Regardless of where you are in the totality path, whether in Dallas-Forth Worth area or not, this is extremely helpful information.

With the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 fast approaching, Dallas-Fort Worth residents have only a few weeks left to prepare for the extremely rare celestial event happening in the region for the first time in over a century. (Total Eclipse DFW, 2024)

Total Eclipse DFW shares this checklist of the top 10 things all DFW residents need to do now to get ready:

  1. Clear schedules – Take the day off work and avoid scheduling any appointments on Eclipse day. Remember, this is likely a once-in-a-lifetime event for DFW, with totality not returning for 300 years. With over 1.5 million visitors expected, residents and visitors don’t want anything interfering with experiencing this spectacular phenomenon.
  2. Get certified Eclipse glasses – Don’t risk permanent eye damage by viewing the partial Eclipse phases without proper eyewear. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant glasses are required for direct solar viewing. Because there are many fraudulent Eclipse viewer sellers, participants should only purchase Eclipse glasses from a reseller listed on the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers list to avoid potential harm and legal liabilities. Total Eclipse DFW is the only AAS-approved reseller from DFW. Total Eclipse DFW’s glasses are $3 each and can be purchased online here. Residents are encouraged to order their glasses soon as experts expect a shortage.
  3. Choose an ideal viewing spot – Carefully research prime locations along the path of totality in DFW and have a viewing plan for April 8. Massive crowds are expected, so participants should arrive several hours early to secure a spot. Have backup options in mind, too, due to expected traffic and accidents. Total Eclipse DFW has compiled over 300 DFW cities and totality times here. Those viewing in areas with as much as 99% will not experience totality, so plan to arrive in an area that will experience totality at least two hours in advance to make sure you have a good spot
  4. Book accommodations – If traveling to DFW or have family and friends coming in for the Total Eclipse, secure lodging immediately before rooms disappear. Hotels are filling up fast, so lock in reservations now. Consider vacation rentals, too, for the full Eclipse weekend.
  5. Monitor weather forecasts – Be ready to change locations even the day before if meteorologists predict clouds. Have a flexible backup option to drive to if needed. Thankfully, DFW has some of the best historical weather conditions for April 8. However, should overcast skies prevail during totality, thinner translucent clouds can still reveal glimpses of the moon-obscured sun; regardless, attendees can still experience the Eclipse’s striking impact on ambient surroundings like light levels, animals’ reactions and temperature changes.
  6. Brace for heavy traffic – Local authorities are expecting gridlock before and after totality. Fill up car tanks by April 7, map alternate routes and pack provisions in case you are stuck in traffic. Plan ahead for traffic jams as a million of your friends and neighbors are trying to head home after totality, as well.
  7. Pack provisions – For residents planning on going to a viewing location or event, bring food, water, chairs, picnic blankets, layers of clothes, sun protection and other necessities to be self-sufficient on Eclipse day. Treat this like an outdoor event or camping trip. Come prepared.
  8. Test photo gear – Experiment with cameras and lenses ahead of time if capturing images. Confirm settings and equipment functioning, including any special solar filters. No smartphone is built to withstand the intense solar rays emitted by the sun.
  9. Check school schedules – Many districts are closing on April 8 so families can witness the eclipse together. For schools holding classes, parents should inquire about safe viewing policies and ISO-compliant glasses for students.
  10. Secure eclipse merch- Capture this rare celestial event’s excitement by picking up solar Eclipse merchandise like apparel, glasses, posters and pins from DFW vendors before stores sell out. Eclipse swag makes ideal gifts for Total Eclipse parties happening in the DFW metroplex on April 8!

Jo Trizila, Total Eclipse DFW founder, emphasizes, “Don’t miss this incredible four-plus minute Total Solar Eclipse here in DFW. Start preparing today using our website’s convenient guides and resources!”

Total Eclipse DFW is a regional campaign dedicated to showcasing the April 8, Total Solar Eclipse and the awe-inspiring path of totality as the quintessential celestial spectacle in North America. Operating as the central nexus, Total Eclipse DFW is the go-to resource for all aspects of the once-in-a-lifetime event, including Eclipse-related information and events specific to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Their core mission is to ensure universal access to ISO-certified safe Solar Eclipse viewing glasses while simultaneously engaging and partnering with residents, visitors, governmental entities, businesses and media to orchestrate an unforgettable Eclipse encounter for all involved. Furthermore, they take pride in championing Dallas-Fort Worth as the premier location to witness this extraordinary astronomical phenomenon.

 

Spring in San Antonio brings a solar eclipse and Fiesta

Cenote at twilight at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

As April approaches, there will be plenty of events happening in San Antonio. Since it falls in the path of the 2024 solar eclipse on April 8, all eyes will be on Texas. San Antonio will be one of the few cities to witness the totality of the solar eclipse and Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is hosting a celestial themed Solar Brunch on the rooftop with signature cocktails to watch the moon as it passes between the sun and the Earth. Then at the end of the month, the annual San Antonio Fiesta returns, showcasing the city’s rich Latin heritage and culture with Thompson playing host to a neighborhood Block Party. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2024)

Solar Eclipse

Experience the highly anticipated solar eclipse set to cross the U.S in 2024, as San Antonio will be one of the few cities to witness a total eclipse. On April 8, total darkness will be cast as the sun’s rays will be blocked by the passing moon, which won’t occur again until 2045. San Antonio, being the largest city in the path of totality, is a prime place for visitors to witness the natural phenomenon as tours and campgrounds are already being reserved. 

From Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk, guests can witness the Solar Eclipse. Signature restaurant The Moon’s Daughters, inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, will be hosting a Solar Brunch from 11a.m. – 1:30p.m. on April 8. Guests and locals alike are invited to the enchanting indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge and bar that dazzles from its 20th-story perch over the city for a special celestial experience. To celebrate the extraordinary event, the brunch will include themed cocktails, entertainment, as well as custom Solar Eclipse glasses for all guests to enjoy. 

Fiesta

San Antonio’s Fiesta celebration is one of the largest festivals in the U.S., providing countless special events that showcase the city’s rich Latin heritage and culture. The tradition of celebrating Fiesta started in 1891 as a parade event to share memories with loved ones and honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The city’s signature event, which is sponsored by various nonprofit organizations, returns to San Antonio for another year with a festival from April 18-28, 2024.

Guests of Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will have a perfect view of the Flambeau parade on the San Antonio River Walk, America’s largest illuminated parade featuring decorated floats, musical performances, food, and more. In addition, the Thompson hotel will host a Block Party to kickoff Fiesta season, complete with a coffee bar, mimosas, breakfast tacos, family-friendly activities, and more.