Get a FREE Quote

How to View the Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

You are currently viewing How to View the Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse
The moon fully covers the sun in totality.
  • Post category:News

In just a week, a total solar eclipse is expected to hit, with many excited as this event is quite historic. Some parts of the country that are expected to have great views of the eclipse are areas that have not seen a total solar eclipse in decades, centuries even. Specifically, the parts of Texas that are expected to have great views of the event, such as the Dallas/Fort Worth area, have not witnessed this kind of eclipse since 1878. Texas residents are looking forward to the event as are the many travelers expected to head towards Texas and the other states with viewing opportunities.

Some parts of the state have possible weather issues that may end up preventing perfect viewing.

Different cities will have different experiences with the eclipse. Depending on where they are located on the path of the eclipse, totality will last for different lengths of time. In San Antonio, experts only expect around 18 seconds of totality in the afternoon. However, in Austin, just minutes after San Antonio experiences the eclipse, totality is expected to last over two minutes. In Fort Worth, the total eclipse is expected to last around three to four minutes.

Now, what exactly do we mean when we say totality? Well, a total eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. Totality refers to when the eclipse is perfectly aligned to completely block out sun. Essentially, when looking at it, it means one is able to see a bright beam of light surrounding a dark, shadowy figure. This would be the sun backlighting the moon.

The best way to view a total eclipse is on a day with clear skies and little to no cloud coverage.

The current forecast does predict some clouds over certain parts of the state, leaving some people to worry that they will not get to adequately enjoy the moment. The eclipse is still far enough out though that the weather could significantly change, for the better or worse. This may end up affecting the anticipated travel that many believe is heading towards Texas. The tourism in the Dallas/Fort Worth area has increased by 400% compared to this same time last year. As we get closer to the actual event date, this could decrease depending on what the weather is expected to be like closer to.