Total solar eclipse to bring crowds, impede traffic

Dublin is expected to get one minute and 19 seconds of complete darkness in the solar eclipse occurring Monday, April 8.

For those interested in seeing the eclipse, a partial eclipse will begin at 12:19 p.m., totality will occur at 1:28 p.m. and the partial eclipse will end at 2:59 p.m.

Erath County Emergency Management is preparing for an anticipated influx of people that may be traveling through the area since portions of the county are on the outer edge of the totality path.

“We are anticipating about what we would see from a large scale football game or the Larry Joe Taylor concert,” Erath County Emergency Manager Chris Brooks said.

Brooks said large scale infrastructureandtechnology issues are not anticipated.

“Emergency services have been preparing in case there are additional calls,” he said. “We’ve been keeping in close contact with the surrounding counties who are expecting even more people in case they need assistance with an emergency.”

For Erath County, in Stephenville especially, the biggest anticipated issue is an increase in traffic.

“You add something like this and you get a small wreck on Washington and it could drastically impede the flow of traffic,” he said.

Before and during the eclipse, Brooks advised drivers not to stop in the roadway and to get somewhere safe before the eclipse begins.

“Remember this is a work day for people and they need to be able to travel,” he said.

Brooks also advised people to be aware of their surroundings when parking since warm weather does bring out snakes.

“We will be monitoring the weather closely in case severe weather does end up being forecast for the day,” he said.

For those looking for eclipse fun, there are several options in the area.

The Dublin Public Library and the Dublin Historical Society are partnering together to donate eclipse glasses. The day of the eclipse, Dubliners are invited to participate in the history-making event by stopping by the library or the museum starting at 11 a.m. April 8 to get glasses.

Dublin ISD will also be having classes that day so teachers can have the experience of watching the eclipse with their students and completing sciencethemed lessons based around the eclipse.

“The staff at DISD is excited about experiencing the solar eclipse event with our students in a safe environment. We have ordered the recommended safety glasses for all students and parent permission slips will go home for students to be allowed to participate,” Dublin ISD Superintendent Melissa Summers said. “If any parent does not want their child to go outside for viewing, then they will have the opportunity to watch it digitally inside the building. We have several exciting, educational activities planned and home to make this a memorable event!”

Veldhuizen Cheese is also hosting an Eclipse on the Farm event from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 8.

Admission is $10 per person and $5 per kid with eclipse glasses included.

The farm has plenty of space to spread out and picnic blankets and lawn chairs are included.

There will be an open mic and live music from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. with a petting corral set up for kids.

The cheese shoppe will be open for sampling and purchases and they will be selling cheese plates.

Veldhuizen is located at 3364 CR 299 in Dublin.

On April 8, Memorial Stadium at Tarleton State University will host a viewing of the solar eclipse from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, with seating restricted to the stands. No field access will be available.

“The last time Texas saw a total solar eclipse was 1878,” said event organizer Lindsay Hope, Manager of Licensing and Trademarks at Tarleton State. “This is truly a rare event that shouldn’t be missed. We are thrilled to open up the stands at Memorial Stadium for people to get the best view possible. We plan to stream a telescope live onto the big screen—it will be an amazing sight.”

Additionally, the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) will have information tables and demonstrations set up.

“With our amazing planetarium, observatory at Hunewell Ranch, and strong College of Science and Mathematics programs, joining forces to celebrate one of the biggest celestial events of the year was an easy decision,” said Hope. “The COSM faculty came to the table with amazing ideas to educate and inspire, and their passion has been evident. We have also worked with the city of Stephenville to envision an unforgettable event for everyone to enjoy.”

Conversations surrounding Tarleton State hosting started in 2022, with physics department Professors Dr. Mike Hibbs and Dr. Goderya engaging in discussion with Planetarium Director Jason Jacks to work on a plan to make Tarleton a viewing destination.

In late September of last year, the Tarleton State Planetarium then began showing “Totality Over Texas,” a full-dome show providing an overview of the annular eclipse in October 2023 and the total solar eclipse this April.

Jacks has been an integral part in working with local schools to bring students to Tarleton State to view the total solar eclipse.

“Outreach is an important part of our College of Science and Mathematics mission,” he said. “The planetarium and members of the Society of Physics Students have been providing opportunities for school-aged children and the general public to learn more about eclipses so that their experience will be that much more exciting and meaningful on April 8.”

With a crowd of thousands expected in Memorial Stadium, Jacks is excited to see the reactions when totality occurs.

“Part of me thinks the children will cheer and yell because the anticipation is finally over. Another parts of me thinks the entire stadium will go silent for a few moments when they notice that every dog will be barking and every bird will be singing as though it was dawn’s early morning light. I just can’t imagine. But I certainly am excited to find out.”

Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided while supplies last. Solar filters such as eclipse glasses or solar viewers should be utilized by those planning to look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun.

Total solar eclipses over the United States are rare, with the next visible one slated for Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.

Solar eclipse safety tips

Wear your glasses properly: Ensure the glasses fit snugly over your eyes, covering your entire field of vision. Do not peek around the frames while looking at the Sun.

Use glasses at the right times: Wear your Solar Eclipse glasses during the lead-up to and following Totality, when the moon doesn’t completely block the Sun’s rays. Remove the glasses only during Totality to experience the Eclipse’s full effect.

Ensure your glasses are compliant and approved: Confirm that your glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard by checking if the manufacturer or reseller is listed on the American Astronomical Society’s website.

Inspect your glasses for damage: Check for scratches, punctures, or defects that could allow harmful sunlight to penetrate the lens. Do not use damaged glasses.

Avoid prolonged viewing: Limit your viewing time to brief intervals and take breaks to rest your eyes. Share your glasses with others if neither of you has a contagious eye condition.

Test your glasses before the Eclipse: You should only be able to see the Sun itself through the glasses, appearing like an intense orange ball. Everything else should be black.

Do not move around while wearing the glasses: The dark lenses will obscure your vision. Remove the glasses before moving to prevent injury.

Supervise children closely: Ensure children understand how to use the glasses safely and monitor their use to prevent eye injury.