Prepare for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Event
If you have not already seen a news blurb on national media announcing the April 8, 2024, the Great American Eclipse you soon will.
Why should Bandera County citizens get excited now? First, and foremost, Bandera County citizens will not only experience the April 8, 2024, Total Eclipse, but also experience an Annular Eclipse, better known as a Ring of Fire Eclipse, on October 14, 2023.
During the annular eclipse, the moon does not totally cover the sun thus creating a ring of fire created by the sun. During the total eclipse, the sky will be completely dark.
Both eclipses have a duration of between three to four hours, with the maximum “totality” time over four minutes in our area.
Bandera County sits near the center line of maximum viewing times for both events.
The Ring of Fire Eclipse enters the United States in Oregon, passes through the southwestern states and into Texas in the Big Bend Region before heading through Bandera County and then exits the United States in the Houston area.
The Great American Total Eclipse crosses out of Mexico and enters the United States in the Del Rio Area, sweeps northeast across Texas, exiting Texas near Texarkana, and then continue across the United States to Maine before entering Canada.
If both eclipses were to be on the same date, Vanderpool would be the bullseye. Both occur at midday.
These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences happening in our own backyard, but you must use solar glasses, solar filters or some other safe viewing method to protect their eyes.
Most can remember the buzz concerning the 2017 total eclipse. Everyone waiting to the last minute to purchase solar glasses found they were scarce, were not ISO approved or there were none to be had.
The Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau (aka Bandera Visitors Center) has ordered a large quantity of approved solar glasses and are making them available to the citizens and businesses of Bandera County at cost.
The cost is $15 for 50 pairs. They are good for both eclipses.
The Bandera Visitors Center, 126 Sate Hwy 16 South, is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..
You are encouraged to learn more about the upcoming eclipses at the GreatAmericanEclipse. com.
The Bandera Visitors Center will be publishing future updates.
Patricia Moore is the Executive Director of the Bandera County CVB.