For the second time in six months, Texas residents will be treated to a rare solar eclipse, coming up on April 8! While an annular “Ring of Fire” eclipse occurred on October 14, 2023, the upcoming total solar eclipse will be the last one visible from Texas (and the contiguous United States) until 2045.
Volunteers at BASF Planetarium have been gearing up for the spring solar eclipse all throughout March, presenting a weekly fulldome planetarium show, Total Eclipse of the Sun, and offering eclipse glasses for sale to visitors.
Local skywatchers are invited to observe the eclipse at the planetarium at the April 8 Partial Solar Eclipse event, planned from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Monday, April 8. This event is FREE and open to the public.
The eclipse will begin locally at 12:18 PM when the moon will first touch the sun’s edge. At 1:38 PM, viewers will experience the maximum eclipse when the moon will be closest to the center of the sun. The eclipse will conclude by 2:59 PM when the moon will leave the sun’s edge.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon travels between the sun and earth, completely blocking the sun from sight. While the Brazosport area isn’t located in the “path of totality” (100% of the sun covered by the moon), we will experience 92% coverage, known as a partial solar eclipse. Viewers across the United States will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, with those from Texas to Maine experiencing the best view.
Eclipse glasses will be on sale for 2 for $5 at the planetarium during the event. Please remember that it is never safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing.
The planetarium will present the fulldome show Total Eclipse of the Sun on the following dates (click the links to purchase $5 tickets):
Wednesday, April 3 at 7:00 PM (all-Spanish show)
See the planetarium’s upcoming events and show schedules online, including weekly planetarium shows, Star & Space Story time and family-friendly Saturday afternoon shows!
