You may have heard that Boerne is anticipating two solar eclipse events in the next few months. The annular solar eclipse will happen on Saturday, October 14, and will boast a “ring of fire” for four minutes starting at 11:51 a.m. The total solar eclipse will happen on Monday, April 8, with totality starting at 1:32 p.m. and will last for four minutes as well. These are celestial events worth planning to see. An eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun for a moment during daylight hours. Depending on where you live, this can last anywhere from a few seconds to close to five minutes in length. Boerne is nicely situated within the path of annularity and totality, and as such, there are viewing parties and events scheduled throughout our area to enjoy the full four minutes of awe-inspiring beauty. If you and your family are planning to attend, here are some great tips for making the most of your time when the eclipse is scheduled to make an appearance:
Viewing Safety:
We anticipate that large crowds of visitors will converge on Kendall County and the City of Boerne for optimal viewing opportunities of these solar eclipses. Locals and visitors alike are invited to visit our Eclipse Viewing Guide for details on times, traveling, accommodations, and navigating our beautiful home in the Texas Hill Country in the safest manner possible.
In addition, there is an aspect of medical safety to be aware of during an eclipse. With the exception of a short window of total darkness in a total solar eclipse, it’s not safe for your eyes to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Without the addition of this very necessary safety precaution, peering at the sun directly or through other lens formats (telescopes, binoculars, and cameras included) can result in severe injury to the eye. NASA has provided viewing recommendations for eye safety.
Eclipse Viewing Quick Tips:
Filters or eclipse glasses are easy to come by in advance. Multiple retail locations in Boerne are either selling or giving away glasses. Select “Eclipse Safety” at eclipseboerne.com for a working list. Such glasses are typically constructed of cardboard using Mylar lenses, which allow people to safely peer directly at the sun. The Mylar film permits the filtering of light to effectively ensure you can gaze at the sun without eye injury. Those who are unable to secure these special ISO-certified spectacles can also safely view the eclipse with a pinhole camera, easily made with items you may already have around the house. Check out these step-by-step instructions.
Viewing Parties and Special Events:
If you’re more inclined to see this stellar event in groups as opposed to solo from your Boerne backyard, there are amazing opportunities to find your kind of crowd at a viewing party or a specially coordinated eclipse event. From single-day viewing parties to full-on camping weekends, Visit Boerne has all the details for planning time together as a family or with other enthusiasts on the calendar of events.
Cave Without A Name and Kinematic Brewing Co. are both holding wonderful two-day camping experiences in celebration of the eclipses. Reservation details for the Annular Solar Eclipse Experience can be found online.
Guadalupe River State Park, Old Tunnel State Park, as well as Government Canyon and Hill Country State Natural Areas, are all in line with the eclipse path for prime viewing opportunities and will be taking early reservations for guests to enjoy the eclipse in the parks. These passes will sell out quickly, so take action quickly to secure your spot. In addition, the Hill Country Mile Rod Run and the Texas Eclipse Ring of Fire 10k, 5k, and 0.5 mi fun runs are planned to coincide with the October annular eclipse event.
Those looking to extend their enjoyment can shop at the Boerne Eclipse Market, an outdoor event featuring local vendors, raffles, and eclipse telescope photo opportunities, or attend an enriching evening musical performance at Cave Without a Name when Rudi and the Rudiments perform. There is truly so much to see and do in celebration of an event that carries with it all the awe and excitement a cosmic happening should!
Keep an eye out for details on last-second annular eclipse festivities and upcoming total eclipse activities. These events will be added to the calendar as details are firmed up.
Last but not least, have fun! An eclipse can be a time when friends and family gather, or you can meet new people with similar interests. Sharing an event viewing such as this is sure to bring together a like-minded crew looking for good times and great experiences, and Boerne has that in spades! Talk to the great people at the Boerne Visitor Center for more information by calling (830) 249-7277 or toll-free at 1-888-842-8080. You can also stop in to see them in person! They’ll share in great detail all of the exciting and fun ways to see and experience the eclipse in the Texas Hill Country. If you’re planning a visit from out of town, email them at [email protected] to help make it an adventure of a lifetime for your friends and family. Plan for the best viewing opportunities this side of the sun …or the moon; however, you choose to see it!
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Written by: Spring Sault, Uncommonlygrand.com