A guide to the 2024 total solar eclipse
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A rare celestial event will soon pass Mexico, the United States and Canada on April 8.
It will be the only total solar eclipse in the 21st century where maximum coverage of the eclipse will be visible in three countries that make up the largest part of North America.
Whether you plan to watch the eclipse within the path of totality or in an area with partial eclipse visibility, here is how to prepare for the upcoming once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.
What is a total solar eclipse?
There are two types of eclipses visible to Earth: solar and lunar eclipses. Solar eclipses break down into four types: total, partial, annular and hybrid.
According to NASA, a solar eclipse type depends on how far a viewer is from the path of totality and how the moon aligns with the sun and Earth.
To have a total solar eclipse, the sun must be entirely blocked by the moon.
What is a path of totality?
It is estimated that more than 30 million people will be within the 115-mile wide path of totality across three countries. A path of totality is defined as the location where the moon's shadow will completely cover the sun.
Texas will be the first U.S. state to see the eclipse followed by 14 states in the path of totality. The eclipse will also be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states, according to NASA.
Totality and visibility will depend on a viewer's location from the path. Viewers outside the path will be able to see a partial eclipse while those within the path will see a total eclipse.
"This one total solar eclipse is such a rare event you need to be in the right spot at the right time," said Hyun-chul Lee, Senior Lecturer of Physics and Astronomy at UTRGV.
NASA reports show Texas viewers outside the path of totality will be able to enjoy a partial eclipse with at least 80% visibility.
Across the Rio Grande Valley, the eclipse will vary by city between 88% and 93% visibility.
What to expect during the eclipse
Viewers within the path of totality can expect the sun to be entirely blocked by the moon, making the sky dark during daytime with a slight temperature drop.
There are several stages of a total solar eclipse that viewers can expect to observe within the path, starting with partial coverage. Viewers will be able to observe the moon slowly passing between the sun and earth, showing the partial eclipse form into a crescent shape.
Once the eclipse has taken its crescent form, it will be a matter of minutes before the sun is entirely covered, creating a total solar eclipse.
This is also known as the totality phase.
Totality is expected to last a couple of minutes, depending on where you are within the path.
"The duration of darkness during the totality is the longest if you go to the middle of the totality path," Lee said.
NASA estimates the duration of darkness at the middle of the path will be 4.5 minutes long while areas within the path but outside the middle will see up to two minutes of darkness.
"That's the beauty of the total solar eclipse," Lee said. "The sky becomes dark black and you can even see those planets and stars that are not visible normally during the daytime."
From Mexico to Canada, the entire eclipse event will last about 2.5 hours.
What makes this eclipse a rare event?
Texas saw an annual solar eclipse in the fall of 2023 but last saw a total solar eclipse over 100 years ago.
According to NASA, the last time a total solar eclipse passed through Texas was May 28, 1900, with 100% visibility across the Rio Grande Valley.
"I've never experienced a solar eclipse in my entire life," Lee said. "Not even in South Korea which I originated from, not even Australia that I lived there for a couple years, not even America that I've lived in for the past 20 years. That tells us how rare this event is."
NASA reports the next total solar eclipse that will pass through Texas is on May 11, 2078. The Rio Grande Valley will be in the path of totality for the 2078 solar eclipse.
How to prepare for a total solar eclipse/glasses purchase
Safety is key when watching a solar eclipse, regardless of where you are observing from.
Experts advise watchers to wear eclipse glasses when directly viewing the partial phases of the solar eclipse, before and after totality.
"Eclipse glasses are definitely needed for the most of the time, except during the totality for those couple of minutes when the sun is completely blocked," Lee said.
Once the sun is entirely covered, Lee advises it is okay to view the sky with the naked eye, without eclipse glasses.
"But during the progress of the eclipses, you do need to have eclipse classes to see the sun that is blocked by the moon," Lee adds.
Lee shares how to prepare in advance to catch the best view of the rare event.
"The best sight where you can see the sky without any obstruction," Lee said. "It would be best to arrive to this spot couple hours earlier than the totality so you can secure your spot, simply wait and enjoy the event."
All you need is a pair of brand-new eclipse glasses and a great view, the eclipse will take care of the rest.
Eclipse glasses can be found at H-E-B, Walmart, gas stations, libraries, museums and nature centers near you.
When and where you can see the eclipse
NASA reports show the total solar eclipse will enter Texas at approximately noon Central Time April 8.
The interactive map below provides information on the eclipse type, duration and time stamps depending on your preferred Texas eclipse-viewing city.
Texas Parks and Wildlife has also provided a list of state parks within the path of totality that will host family-friendly events for the anticipated eclipse.
Make sure to check libraries, museums and nature centers to know what special eclipse viewing events are near you.
Statewide declarations ahead of total solar eclipse
Several Texas county judges have issued disaster declarations ahead of the total solar eclipse. Kerr, Bell and Travis counties have declared a state of emergency to prepare for the high volume of visitors.
"We expect that kind of visiting traffic here to cause extreme traffic congestion on our roadways, place an enormous strain on our first responders and hospital systems, drain our food and fuel supplies and strain our city and county infrastructure to, quite possibly, overcapacity," said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly.
Kerr County is located northwest of San Antonio. Bell County is located north of the Austin-Round Rock area.
Travis County serves the entire Austin metropolitan area and neighboring towns including Pflugerville.