Most of Dallas-Fort Worth is in the path of totality for April 8's solar eclipse, but some residents might need to travel to see it. Here's what to know.
Where to see the April 8 total solar eclipse in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond
Which Texas cities are in the total solar eclipse’s path of totality?
Update:
Updated to include information on North Texas traffic during the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse.
Editor’s note: This story is part of The Dallas Morning News’ coverage of the 2024 total solar eclipse. For more, visit dallasnews.com/eclipse.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America. Most of the Dallas-Fort Worth area is in the path of totality, or total darkness, giving residents the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the moon block the sun for just under four minutes.
Are you in a prime location for eclipse viewing? It might be worth checking: Dallas won’t be in a solar eclipse’s path of totality again until 2317.
Where will the eclipse be visible in D-FW?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and sun, casting a shadow that can partially or totally block the sun’s light. The D-FW area witnessed a partial eclipse in October known as the “ring of fire,” but the total eclipse in April promises to be even more awe-inspiring. During totality, or the time when the moon appears to totally cover the sun, daylight will dim, temperatures may drop and stars could be visible in the midday sky.
What to know about the solar eclipse coming to D-FW in April
Dallas is one of the largest cities along the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse, which will sweep across North America April 8.
On April 8, the eclipse will move from Mexico to the northeastern United States and Canada. Mexico’s Pacific Coast will be the first to experience totality, weather permitting, at 11:07 a.m. PT or 1:07 p.m. CT.
In Dallas, the moon will begin to cover the sun around 12:23 p.m., with totality beginning around 1:40 p.m. and ending just under 4 minutes later. The moon will then move away from the sun, with the spectacle ending around 3:02 p.m. Exact timing will depend on location in the metroplex.
Several Texas cities will be in the path of totality, including Dallas, most of Fort Worth, Waco, Temple, most of Austin and parts of San Antonio. Denton is outside the path of totality.
Those outside the path of totality will still see a partial eclipse, with the moon partially covering the sun. But experiencing totality is worth the effort, according to Mary Urquhart, a planetary scientist at the University of Texas at Dallas who witnessed it in Tennessee in 2017.
“It really was a profound experience for me,” said Urquhart. “I know it is for a lot of people. The changes in the environment can be quite dramatic.”
Cities closer to the middle of the path will experience a longer totality. Dallas is predicted to experience about 3 minutes and 52 seconds. Waco, closer to the midline, may experience about 4 minutes and 12 seconds.
For area residents within the path, Urquhart’s advice is to go outside and look up, avoiding tall buildings and trees for a clear view.
Several North Texas institutions, including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Arboretum, will host eclipse viewing events.
Eclipse safety
Looking at a solar eclipse without eye protection is dangerous: the sun’s brightness can damage eyes in seconds. It’s safe to look at the eclipse without glasses during totality but not before or after.
Many online listings for eclipse glasses can be counterfeit, but a list of safe options is available on the American Astronomical Society’s website. Glasses should comply with the International Organization for Standardization’s safety guidelines. (A note on the back of the glasses should say they meet ISO 12312-2 requirements.) Sunglasses are not protective enough.
Area residents can also view the eclipse indirectly by poking a hole through cardboard, using a colander or holding a cracker to project the image of the eclipse onto the ground or a sheet of paper, Urquhart said.
Impact on North Texas traffic
The weekend before the eclipse shouldn’t bring significant traffic changes, said Abraham Benavides, a professor of public administration at the University of Texas at Dallas. Visitors will gradually arrive in the days leading up to April 8.
The main traffic concern during the eclipse will be drivers stopping their cars on highways or pulling onto the shoulder to watch it, Benavides said.
In 2017, some state transportation agencies used road signs to share warning messages such as “No parking on highway for solar eclipse” or “Solar eclipse Monday, delays possible.” Tony Hartzel, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation, said the agency will post eclipse-focused messages on statewide boards, though the exact wording is being decided.
When totality ends — and later, when the moon fully moves away from the sun — eclipse watchers will hop in their cars and get on highways, leading to massive delays and stop-and-go traffic, Benavides said.
TxDOT’s Dallas district will have maintenance crews on standby to help law enforcement or respond to any issues after the eclipse, Hartzel said.
Benavides’ biggest advice is to arrive early and stay late. If traveling to see the eclipse, consider staying an extra day instead of leaving Monday night, he said, and make sure to fill up your tank before you go.
Adithi Ramakrishnan is a science reporting fellow at The Dallas Morning News. Her fellowship is supported by the University of Texas at Dallas. The News makes all editorial decisions.
