DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) — Mark the date in your digital calendar: April 8, 2024. That’s when the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex will get a total eclipse of the sun.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. It becomes a total eclipse for people in the dead center of the shadow’s path, completely blocking the sun. In 2024 that path will include DFW east to Tyler and south to include Austin and San Antonio.
(Maps of the eclipse totality route can be seen here: NationalEclipse.com.)
Astronomers say it’s safe to look at the sun at the time of totality but it’s not safe to watch the partial eclipse as the shadow approaches and leaves the sun. At totality the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth will be about the same as during a full moon. Stars will be visible for a couple of minutes.
Total solar eclipses are rare. There will be just 67 of them in this century and they’re only total across the slim path of the moon’s shadow. Three years from now that path will pass directly over North Texas.
Now, let’s hope for a clear day with no clouds.