Connect with us

Austin, TX

What is the path of the 2024 solar eclipse in Texas? See interactive map

Published

on

What is the path of the 2024 solar eclipse in Texas? See interactive map


play

Soon Texans will get to see something that rarely happens. 

The total solar eclipse is set to be seen on April 8, according to NASA. The path of the eclipse will be along a southwest-to-northeast line through North America. Scientists say it will be the last total solar eclipse visible to the world until 2044.

Advertisement

What happens during a total solar eclipse? 

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon shifts between the sun and Earth, blocking the face of the sun. 

“People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk,” a synopsis from NASA said. 

More: It might shock you to learn when Austin’s last total solar eclipse was

Where is the 2024 solar eclipse path of totality in Texas? 

According to TravelTexas, the path of totality will begin before 1:30 p.m. near Del Rio, TX, and trace a line northwest across the entire state. For those living in more remote areas like Hill Country,  you can find viewing spots in places like Boerne, Bandera, or Kerrville. 

More: Delta Air Lines is offering 2024 solar eclipse flight from Austin to Detroit

Advertisement

2024 solar eclipse watch parties

Major cities in Texas will have watch parties for this scientific event. For those planning to be outside for the eclipse, be sure to have weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, and camp chairs.  It is highly recommended to bring a safe viewing option such as a pinhole viewer or ISO-12312-2 certified solar/eclipse glasses.  

Here are some watch party locations: 

  • Hilton Austin (500 East 4th Street, Austin, TX) — Hilton Austin will have eclipse-themed cocktails and mocktails, as well as free eclipse viewing glasses on April 8. This event runs from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., and admission is free.
  • Levy Event Plaza (501 E Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX)  — Irving is offering a Total Eclipse in the Park Party. The event will feature food trucks, music and free eclipse glasses. The event is from noon to 3 p.m. 
  • Space Center Houston (1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX) — The Space Center of Houston is having a three-day event April 6-8. The event includes eclipse glasses giveaway, eclipse and space expert lightning talks in Independence Plaza with emcee Gary Jordan of NASA’s “Houston We Have a Podcast,” and more. Tickets for that event can be purchased here. 
  • Dam 2024 Eclipse (507 Hi-Line Dr., Buchanan Dam, TX) — The event will feature presentations by scientists, eclipse glasses, and music. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m.
  • The Alamo Eclipse Watch (300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX) — Watch the total solar eclipse from the iconic Alamo at this free event with complimentary solar eclipse glasses. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m.

More: Some Texas schools are canceling classes for the solar eclipse on April 8. Is yours?

How to see the total solar eclipse safely

It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. You could permanently damage your eyes. 

Here are some safety tips provided by NASA: 

Advertisement
  • View the sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
  • Although not recommended to watch the eclipse without specialized eye protection, it’s possible to view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the moon completely obscures the sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
  • As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the sun.



Source link

Austin, TX

Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps

Published

on

Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps


As the Austin area prepares to plunge into freezing temperatures Sunday night, the city is initiating its Cold Weather Shelters protocol.

Those wanting to use the emergency shelters, which open when overnight temperatures reach 35 degrees or lower, must register between 6-8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC) on Barton Springs Road, according to a release from the city. Those interested and in need of transport can reach the OTC via bus lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105 and 801. Anyone who can’t pay bus fare but needs shelter will still be allowed to ride, a Facebook post from the city said.

Following registration, CapMetro shuttles will take guests from the OTC to a cold weather shelter. The addresses for these shelters are kept confidential due to “safety, privacy and capacity concerns,” according to the Austin American-Statesman.

The Statesman also reported that shelters provide meals and allow leashed, friendly pets.

Advertisement

All parks and libraries are meanwhile serving as warming centers during regular operating hours, except for Austin Public Library’s Old Quarry Branch and Willie Mae Kirk Branch.



Source link

Continue Reading

Austin, TX

Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin

Published

on

Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin


A Downtown Austin building was cleared after a bomb threat was made Saturday night.

Police say that the call came in at 9:38 p.m., after which officers arrived to the scene and cleared a nearby building at 311 E 6th St.

ALSO: H-E-B delights Austin airport travelers with surprise gift vending machine pop-up

The threat was found to not be credible, and no one was injured.

Advertisement
Comment with Bubbles

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Police say no one is in custody and they will be clearing the scene shortly.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Austin, TX

The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories

Published

on

The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories


Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson held a press conference Friday to discuss a new deal with Southwest Airlines and its expected impact on the city.

The deal, approved Thursday by the Austin City Council, awards Southwest $2,750 for each new Austin-based hire over the next five years. In exchange, the airline plans to add 2,000 high-paying jobs with an average salary of $180,000 and invest in local workforce initiatives, including the city’s new Austin Infrastructure Academy.

Officials say the deal will strengthen Southwest’s presence at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where the carrier already handles more than 40 percent of all passenger traffic.

The partnership is expected to bring in nearly $20 million in local tax revenue, and the incentive program will last for five years and pay Southwest up to $5.5 million.

Advertisement

Mayor Watson said the agreement will not only create new jobs in Austin but will improve the overall experience at AUS.

“We’re building lives and careers at the same time we’re building tarmacs and terminals,” Watson said. “Southwest is choosing Austin because our people, our workforce, and our future make us a smart investment. This deal creates thousands of good-paying jobs, improves the passenger experience, and ensures the benefits flow directly to Austin workers, families, and tourists. This agreement is proof that Austin means business and cares about the success of its people.”

Read the full story at KVUE.com.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending