On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will be viewable across North America, and Dallas will fall in the path of totality. According to NASA Connect, “path of totality” means “the track of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface.” But what even is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse takes place when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun and obscures the sun. Essentially, the sky will become darker (as if it’s dusk or dawn), and we’ll be able to see the sun’s corona (AKA its outer atmosphere) during this time. Fun fact: The corona is usually hidden by the brightness of the sun.
Though eclipses may seem common, the one on April 8 is a once-in-a-lifetime event. As the Dallas Morning News points out, the next time we’ll be in a solar eclipse’s path of totality will be 2317. Just let that sink in for a minute.
Here’s everything you need to know about safely viewing the solar eclipse in Dallas.
How long will the solar eclipse last?
According to Visit Dallas, the city will experience “one of the longest durations across North America” in terms of viewing the solar eclipse. Dallas will be in the path of totality for a grand total of three minutes and 51 seconds.
The moon will start to gradually cover the sun around 12:23 p.m., with totality starting around 1:40 p.m. and ending roughly four minutes later. The entire eclipse itself should be over completely around 3:02 p.m. that day.
The 2024 Solar Eclipse is 100 days out! Learn all about the upcoming solar eclipse in Dallas: https://t.co/hBk11DYkto. We sat down with Dr. John Mulchaey and Dr. Jeff Rich from the @carnegiescience to learn about what a total solar eclipse is and where you can see one very soon! pic.twitter.com/Jh7U0Wygei
— Visit Dallas | Things to do in Dallas (@visit_dallas) December 30, 2023
Will the solar eclipse be visible outside of Dallas?
Along with Dallas, most of Fort Worth, Temple, Waco, and Austin will be within that path of totality for April’s solar eclipse. Parts of San Antonio and Denton will be outside the path, but everyone in those regions (and across Texas and throughout the US) will still be able to view the celestial event.
For a clearer idea of how visible the solar eclipse will be in your area, click here.
How to safely view the solar eclipse
Right off the bat, it’s important to note that there’s only one way to safely view the solar eclipse, and that’s by using special-purpose solar filters, AKA eclipse glasses.
One of the easiest ways to buy eclipse glasses is by visiting this website that offers a wide range of options. All the eclipse glasses function the same—all you need to do is figure out which color or pattern you want (personally, we like the Bill Nye and St. Jude ones).
Retail chains like Walmart will also sell solar eclipse glasses. For a full list of vendors/potential ways to buy your glasses, click here.
FYI: Ordinary sunglasses are not safe to use when viewing the solar eclipse, regardless of how dark they are. The only true way to protect your vision is to wear eclipse glasses—there’s just no way around it.
Another pro tip? If you wear eyeglasses, you can place the solar eclipse glasses/filters over them for safe viewing.
Remember, you must wear the glasses when looking up at the sun, and it’s important to leave them on until you’ve turned away from the sun completely.
The American Astronomical Society offers more specific instructions for people who will be in the path of totality:
“If you are inside the path of totality on April 8, 2024, remove your solar filter only when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright Sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to look at the remaining partial phases.
Note that this applies only to viewing without optical aid (other than ordinary eyeglasses). Different rules apply when viewing or imaging the Sun through camera lenses, binoculars, or telescopes; consult an expert astronomer before using a solar filter with any type of magnifying optics.”
Solar eclipse viewing events to add to your calendar
Now that you know how to view the solar eclipse safely, here are some events to add to your calendar if you want to enjoy the celestial event in a group setting:
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – Tickets are available now.
- Downtown Dallas Inc. – Lunchtime event.
- Frontiers of Flight Museum – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Samuell Farm – Hosting a three day, family- friend event.
- JW Marriott Dallas Arts District – Hotel guests can view the solar eclipse from Vincent’s Sky Bar.
- Marriott Dallas Downtown – Hosting an exclusive viewing party.
- Marriott Dallas Uptown – Offering a “Total Solar Eclipse Package.”
- Sky Blu Rooftop Bar – Offering reserved seating, plus food and drink packages. Contact Erin for more details: 214-741-3000 or [email protected]
- The Lunar Light: Discovery – Hosting a solar eclipse party.
Have fun out there!
