Burnet County epicenter of 2024 solar eclipse
On April 8 next year, the Highland Lakes will be the epicenter of a total solar eclipse, the last that will pass over this area within our lifetimes. On average, solar eclipses happen somewhere on the planet every year and a half but every 360-375 years per region. This one will be the last in the contiguous United States for another 20 years, the previous happening in 2017.
The 2024 eclipse’s path will enter U.S. skies over Del Rio and exit over Maine. Burnet County’s location along that path should make it a sought-after area for viewing and will likely be a major draw to tourists. The 2017 eclipse drew as many as 100,000 viewers to cities with populations similar to Burnet and Marble Falls.
During a solar eclipse, the moon will pass between the sun and the earth, blocking one’s view of the sun for a short time. Temperatures will drop as much as 10 degrees, and one might see a sunset-like appearance on the horizon in all directions.
Spectators can observe a total eclipse in a 63-mile-wide area along its path, with prime viewing time at the path’s midpoint. Most will see the eclipse for a little over four minutes, almost double the time of the 2017 eclipse.
Although this big event is a year away, the time to start planning is now. First things first, order your eclipse glasses ASAP. In 2017, many online vendors ran out of stock months before the event. You’ll need them, as it’s unsafe to view an eclipse with the naked eye.
Second, if you’re planning to visit from out of town, book your accommodations now, which can be done right here on the Highland Lakes of Burnet County website.
On Oct. 14 of this year, the Hill Country will see another astronomical event, an annular solar eclipse, one in which the outer edges of the sun are visible, creating a “ring of fire” effect. Viewers can see it shortly before noon (clear skies willing), within a line from Fredericksburg to New Braunfels, to Uvalde and Rocksprings.
For more information on both eclipses visit hillcountryalliance.org/eclipse/.
For more information on viewing the 2024 eclipse from Burnet County, visit the highlandlakesofburnetcounty.com/eclipse-2024.
