Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024

Eclipse Outreach Kit

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The Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas wishes to partner and participate with individuals, groups, schools, towns, and all forms of organizations to celebrate the 2024 total solar eclipse. This majestic celestial event will be, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is certain to inspire wonder about our place in the universe. We in North Texas are fortunate to sit on the path of totality, and with this opportunity we will provide education to whoever desires it.

Within this outreach kit, you will find in-depth information and ample resources to help you have a successful total solar eclipse viewing.

If you have questions about any of the content provided, or require further information regarding the science of eclipses, safety, or planned events, please feel free to reach out to us at info@texasastro.org, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on our club’s events, news, and general membership meetings. And of course you can become a member of TAS at texasastro.org.

The TAS Eclipse Committee
Click Here to
DOWNLOAD OUTREACH KIT

Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas


Eclipse Planning

While totality itself lasts only 3 to 4 1/2 minutes depending on where you are observing from, the entire eclipse event from first contact (C1) through last contact (C4) lasts more than 2 and a half hours. There are many eclipse-related activities that are fun to do and many that cannot be performed during totality. It is recommended to use the pre-totality time in preparation for the total eclipse and plan the additional experiments and activities for after totality. It keeps the excitement alive.

  • Plan ahead as early as possible. If you need or want to travel to an eclipse location and need to make hotel reservations, make those now.
  • Make any flight reservations now.
  • Even if you think you are traveling to a remote location that is not well known or sparsely populated, there could be 5,000 other people thinking the same thing as you! Expect traffic gridlock. Maybe it will not happen, but better to be prepared by traveling early rather than being stranded.
  • Be aware that depending on where you plan to observe from, small or remote towns if crowded could be overwhelmed by crowds. ATMs could run out of cash. Gas stations could run out of gas.
  • If you are considering purchasing any equipment, be aware that some suppliers could run out of items. For example, your favorite camera could become unavailable when you get ready to make a purchase.
  • Texas has the best climate of locations along the eclipse path. However, that is not to say that the weather will be the best. One recommendation to avoid bad weather would be to adopt a strategy of mobility. A contingency plan in case of bad weather.
  • Arrive at your eclipse site early in the day. Arriving at your site at sunrise is not too early.
  • Bring chairs, sunblock, drinking water, snacks, etc. Don't forget solar eclipse glasses.
  • Take potty breaks more than 30 minutes before totality begins especially if you have small children. Totality occurs fast and is over before you know it.

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024

It is a rare event to be able to see a total eclipse of the sun in Dallas!

Monday, Aprill 8, 2024
Mid-Eclipse ~1:43 PM CDT

Click Here to Download TAS Eclipse Outreach Kit

About the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas

The Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas was chartered in 1955 to promote interest and research in astronomy, and to give instruction in the science of astronomy and related disciplines. Membership is open to anyone having an interest in astronomy and related subjects and includes benefits such as a our monthly newsletter, discounts to the top astronomy magazines, access to our dark sky observing site and many more.

Our annual membership dues are very reasonable and can be paid on-line using the PayPal link listed below. Membership is open to anyone having an interest in Astronomy and the night sky.

Please visit the Club Information section for more on TAS.

New members can download the New Members Handbook from the Members Only Section of the website.

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Join TAS or Renew your Membership

TAS is now 600 members strong....why not become a part of our family?

Join TAS or Renew your Membership

The Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas is a Member Society of the Astronomical League, and is an active participant in the Southwest Region of the Astronomical League

The Astronomical League is a federation of astronomy clubs with member societies nationwide. The Astronomical League is the World's Largest Federation of Amateur Astronomers.

The Southwest Region of the Astronomical League consists of 28 member societies of the Astronomical League in the states of Texas, New Mexico and western Oklahoma.