A Total Solar Eclipse
Mark your Calendars:
Saturday, October 14, 2023 & Monday, April 8, 2024
On October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will cross North America. Six months later, on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross the continent.
-For both events, Tyler, Texas will be a premier viewing destination.
-The 2024 eclipse will be the first total eclipse that has been visible in Tyler since 1878.
-This will be the last total eclipse of the millennium visible in Tyler.
FAQ
A total solar eclipse produces a 360-degree sunset, dark enough to see planets, bright stars and the sun’s corona.
You must be in the “path of totality” which includes Tyler, Texas. **Important note. Not all of Tyler is in the path. See the map.
Total Eclipse in April 2024 – Approximately 2.5 hours with 2 minutes of totality.
Partial Eclipse in October 2023 – Approximately 3 hours from start to finish.
Stay tuned. Lots of planning in action!
The only safe way of looking directly at the sun, whether during a solar
eclipse or otherwise, is through certified solar filters. These special filters are used in “eclipse glasses.”
This does NOT include sun glasses.
Extra Special for a TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
During a total solar eclipse, you can take your glasses off and
look directly at the sun during the short time when the moon
completely obscures the sun -known as the “period of totality.”
But, remember to put your glasses back on to protect your eyes as the period of totality
ends and the event returns to a partial eclipse phase.
Stay tuned for a list of places to purchases glasses.
-BINOCULARS/TELESCOPE Safe to use when paired with solar filters, or when projecting on to white cardboard.
-Make a safe sun projector to watch solar eclipses: Materials: Binoculars or a telescope, tripod, duct tape, sheet of white paper, cardboard.
-Pinhole Projection
For a total eclipse to occur, the sun, moon and Earth must be in a direct line.
A total solar eclipse is visible from a small area on earth. The moon covers up the
sun, causing the sky to become very dark as if it were night.
In order to see the full effect of the total solar eclipse, you must be in the “Path of Totality.” If you are outside of that path, you will see a partial eclipse.
There is a complete listing of restaurants available at the Visitor’s Center (315 North Broadway) or here on our site.
You can locate a hotel, bed and breakfast, or RV/campground here on our site.
We are planning a number of activities working up to the eclipse and on the day of the event. We will be updating this page with a calendar, as our plans come into place.
Visit our online calendar for details or the Experience Tyler page for more ideas.
Information courtesy of Tyler Junior College, The Earth and Space Science Center