Residents of Texas and New Mexico will have the opportunity to witness a series of solar eclipses over the next year. On Saturday, October 14, an annular eclipse will pass through the region, followed by a total eclipse on April 8, 2024. The annular eclipse will create a ring of fire as the moon is unable to completely cover the sun, while the total eclipse will cast a shadow across the sky.
According to the McDonald Observatory, residents in Texas can expect visibility ranging from 80% to 100%, as the state sits under the intersection of the eclipse paths. Additionally, clear weather is expected, providing optimal viewing conditions.
During the eclipse, the air may cool and darkness will fall, resembling twilight. People may also hear the sounds of crickets and nocturnal birds calling, adding to the surreal experience.
It is important to view the eclipse safely, as looking directly at the sun can cause blindness. Adequate eye protection, such as certified eclipse glasses or welding glass, should be worn to prevent damage to the eyes. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient protection.
Various retailers, including Walmart and Home Depot, sell cardboard solar eclipse glasses that meet the international safety standard (ISO 12312-2). Additionally, free eclipse viewing glasses are available at El Paso Public Libraries.
The best cities to observe the eclipse in Texas include San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Midland-Odessa, where visibility will be at 100%. In New Mexico, Carlsbad, Roswell, Albuquerque, and Gallup offer excellent viewing opportunities.
The McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis will host eclipse activities during the annular eclipse, while the University of Texas in Austin will hold a public event with interactive demonstrations, telescopes, and food trucks. Midland’s Blakemore Planetarium will also have solar eclipse-related activities throughout the day.
For those interested in the scientific aspect of the eclipse, White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico will support three research rockets to gather data on the event. As a result, US 70 is planned to be closed for a period of time.
The upcoming solar eclipses are a rare astronomical event that should not be missed. With the necessary precautions, residents of Texas and New Mexico can safely witness this incredible phenomenon.