Total solar eclipse will darken DFW in April

By Madilyn Kopec, Staff Writer

Published Feb 19, 2024

FILE – Blake Davis, 10, of Coral Springs, Fla., looks through solar glasses as he watches the eclipse, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla. After April 8, 2024, there won’t be another U.S. eclipse, spanning coast to coast, until 2045. That one will stretch from Northern California all the way to Cape Canaveral, Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

The last total eclipse that will be visible in the U.S. until 2045 is set to cross the DFW metroplex on April 8.

The moon will pass in front of Earth and completely block the sun in a total eclipse — an alignment that rarely happens.

“Most of the time, the moon is either too high or too low in its orbit to fully align with the sun and Earth,” said Dr. Richard Bonde, an instructor in TCU’s department of physics and astronomy.

There are three different types of solar eclipses. Each covers a different amount of the sun based on the distance between the sun, moon and Earth.

Partial and annular eclipses are more common. But it will be hundreds of years before another total solar eclipse passes the DFW area.

“People need to see the eclipse,” Bonde said.

A total solar eclipse April 8 will enter over Mexico’s Pacific coast, dash up through Texas and Oklahoma, crisscross the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and New England, before exiting over eastern Canada into the Atlantic. (AP Photo) (AP)

During an eclipse, it’s not always uncomfortable to look directly at the sun when it is being covered. But the sun’s rays can still be harmful.

Experts are urging people to wear approved solar viewing glasses to watch the eclipse because the light can cause permanent eye damage.

You can simply step outside to watch the show, but for the best views, there are plenty of spots in DFW where people will gather to appreciate the eclipse.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, The Crescent Fort Worth Hotel, the Levy Event Plaza and Heritage Park are all hosting watch parties on the big day.