If you live in Texas and are wondering where to watch the annular and total solar eclipses, You’re in luck. Texans can view either the annular or total solar eclipses from various places across the state, but there’s one spot in Texas that is in the path of totality for BOTH eclipses.
Annular Eclipse
An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon crosses paths with the sun, coming between the sun and the Earth when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the moon is so far away when this happens, it appears smaller than the sun and doesn’t block the sun completely. Instead, you’ll see the moon as a black disc in the center of the sun, with a ring of sunlight around the moon.
The next annular eclipse will take place on Oct. 14, 2023, and will be visible across North, Central, and South America. Uvalde County in Texas is in the path of totality, which means you’ll be able to experience the full eclipse and see that incredible ring of sunlight around the moon.
Total Eclipse
A total eclipse is when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and, depending on where you’re viewing it from, completely blocks out its light. It’ll temporarily go dark for the duration of the eclipse.
The next total eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024, and once again, Uvalde County is in the path of totality. While you’ll be able to see a partial eclipse from other areas, you’ll be able to see the sun completely blocked out by the moon only in the path of totality.
Where can you stay to see the annular and solar eclipses in Uvalde County?
- Garner State Park – you can book a campsite or a cabin for your stay.
- Frio Country Resort – Book one of their vacation homes, or a cabin on the resort grounds.
View all Uvalde County lodging options here.
Annular Eclipse Festivities in Uvalde County
Uvalde County is hosting its first ever Uvalde County Stellar Fest: The Pre-Party, which will take place October 13-16 with events for everyone throughout the area.
Annular Eclipse Events in Uvalde, TX
Events will include live Tejano music, local crafts and artisan vendors, food trucks, a car show, and so much more. The event is free to the public
| FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | 4:00 PM: Kid Zone including a Mobile Video Game Theater & Inflatable Obstacle Courses 4:00-9:00 PM: DJ Music by Freestyle Steve & Food Trucks 6:30 PM: EXCITING ANNOUCEMENT COMING SOON!! |
| SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023 | Today is dedicated to the Annular Solar Eclipse, visible between 10:22 AM to 1:30 PM, with 4 minutes and 48.2 seconds of annularity occurring at 11:49 AM (central time). 10:00 AM-5:00 PM: Out of this World Car Show 10:00 AM-5:00 PM: DJ Music by MC Productions 10:00 AM-10:00 PM: Vendors & Food Trucks *Eclipse quiet time 10 minutes before and after annularity* 2:00 PM-6:00 PM: Kid Zone including a Mobile Video Game Theater & Inflatable Obstacle Courses 3:00 PM: Ballet Folklorico Dancers 6:00 PM: EZITILO Live 8:00 PM: Erick Y Su Groupo Massore |
Visit their website for up-to-date information on the annular eclipse in Uvalde.
Annular Eclipse Events in Concan, TX
All events are free to the public except the Clay Walker performance.
| FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | 4:00 PM: Food Trucks & Vendors 4:00 PM: DJ Music By Big Los Productions 4:00 PM: Bounce Houses 4:00 PM: Corn Hole Tournament 8:00 PM: Star Party 8:00 PM: Velvet Rodeo Live |
| SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023 | Today is dedicated to the Annular Solar Eclipse, visible between 10:22 AM to 1:30 PM, with 4 minutes and 48.2 seconds of annularity occurring at 11:49 AM (central time). 10:00 AM-7:00 PM: Beer & Wine Festival 10:00 AM-7:00 PM: Local Talent Performances throughout the dayJerry AlmarazCarlos Koehl*Eclipse quiet time 10 minutes before and after annularity* 1:00-3:00 PM: Fronterizo Mariachi Group 8:00 PM: Velvet Rodeo Live 9:30 PM: Clay Walker Live |
Check here for the updated list of annular eclipse events in Concan, TX.
Annular Eclipse Events in Garner State Park
Free to the public.
Booths will be set up all weekend.
Updating as programming is finalized.
| FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | The weekend of festivities will kick off early for those arriving early. |
| SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023 | Today is dedicated to the Annular Solar Eclipse, visible between 10:22 AM to 1:30 PM, with 4 minutes and 48.2 seconds of annularity occurring at 11:49 AM (central time). Attendees can view the annular eclipse in isolation across the park, in the public guided viewing area, or even collect data for eclipse citizen-science projects. 8:00 AM: Prepare for the Eclipse A variety of presentations and interactive activities for all ages are offered to help you prepare for the Annular Solar Eclipse. Create, learn, and practice before the eclipse begins. 10:15 AM-1:30 PM: Let the Eclipse Begin Observe the Annular Eclipse within the beautiful park environment, with lots of space to spread out. Guided viewing by an expert NASA solar researcher, and guided group observations and citizen science activities are on offer. 1:30 PM-6:00 PM: Eclipse Reflections & Learning Share your eclipse experience and observations in the variety of presentations and activities, and learn more to prepare for next year’s total solar eclipse. Wander through the Solar, Lunar, and Eclipse Pavilions and displays. 6:00 PM-Late: Dancing & Gazing Enjoy a chilled-out sunset, followed by an astrophotography session and a guided stargazing tour. The Glow Party dance will have you dancing into the night Texan-style. |
| SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023 | There will be a showcase for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Exhibitions and a program of talks and workshops given by national leaders and subject matter experts will allow attendees to know the latest on what is being planned across the path and locally for 2024. 8:00 AM-6:oo PM: All About Totality 2024 A full day of expert presentations and exhibits showcasing the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: What is happening on April 8, 2024;How the annular eclipse differs from the total solar eclipse experienceExciting projects planned across the path of totality;Communities across the path and how they are preparing;Tools and resources used by eclipse chasers;See how Uvalde County is maximizing the two eclipse opportunities: Exciting STEM initiatives across the region, including a student-led STEM sessionLocal eclipse projects and works on display;Displays showcasing the region’s infamous nature and ecology offeringsLots of opportunities to interact with experts – solar and astrophysicists, eclipse chasers, local weather experts, amateur astronomers, photographers, and more. Following sunset, stay and enjoy a self-guided astrophotography and stargazing. |
Check here for the updated list of annular eclipse events in Garner State Park.
Check back for more information on events taking place around the total solar eclipse on April 8!