Fort Worth's Total Solar Eclipse: A once-in-a-lifetime event
Published on March 17, 2024
A total solar eclipse is coming to Fort Worth.
What’s an eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon and Earth are lined up in space, with the moon between the earth and the sun.
During the total eclipse on Monday, April 8, the moon will blot out the entire sun. For a few minutes, it will look and feel like twilight. Viewers will be able to see this rare event along a line across Texas from Del Rio to Texarkana. The year 2345 is the next time there will be a total solar eclipse in DFW.
What to expect: The moon will start to block the sun around noon on April 8. Totality will begin at 1:30 p.m. and last from a few seconds to about 4 1/2 minutes depending on where you are along the path. Only those in the path of totality will get the full eclipse experience. Time of totality in Fort Worth is expected to be 1:41 p.m.
Viewers will see a partial solar eclipse before and after the time of greatest coverage. If you’re outside of the eclipse’s path of totality, you will see a partial eclipse.
How to see the eclipse: First, and most importantly, protect your eyes. Purchase eclipse glasses or use an indirect observation method, like a pinhole viewer.
It’s only safe to look directly at the sun during the few minutes of totality. Otherwise, you’ll need to use eclipse glasses or a pinhole viewer.
Note: Some City of Fort Worth Transportation & Public Works schedules may be adjusted on April 8 to ensure worker safety during the eclipse period.
Fort Worth eclipse events
Numerous events are planned across Fort Worth to help residents and visitors remember this magical experience.
Fort Worth Library: The library has partnered with NASA’s Mission2Mars project for fun, family-friendly eclipse-related experiences to learn about the eclipse. Countdown programs are located all across Fort Worth leading up to the April 8 total solar eclipse. Find a full list of upcoming programs. https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library/programs/solar-eclipse-2024
Fort Worth community centers: All community centers will host a Total Eclipse in the Park Watch Party at 1 p.m. April 8. Enjoy light refreshments and receive a pair of viewing glasses while supplies last. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Find the nearest community center. https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/parks/services/community-centers
Fort Worth Botanic Garden: The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History invite visitors to witness the eclipse at the Botanic Garden, 1700 University Drive, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 8. The garden’s north and south vistas offer unobstructed views of the sky, making for the perfect backdrop for observing the eclipse in all its glory. Viewers will pay general admission plus $3 for solar eclipse glasses; free admission and glasses with Garden membership. A free viewing area with free educational activities will be available outside of the Garden Center. Parking is free.
Fort Worth Golf: Plan on visiting one of the municipal courses on April 8? The City is offering free eclipse glasses to anyone who will be on the course during the eclipse.
Kayaking at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: View the eclipse from the West Fork of the Trinity River. Paddle with Nature Center staff and learn about the wetlands, then take in the eclipse from a canoe or kayak. All equipment is provided. Must be 14 years or older to board the kayak. Pre-registration is required. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityoffortworth/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=43031&viewMode=list
Solar scoping at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: Solar scoping will be available along with educational activities as the event starts. Solar glasses will be available for the first 50 guests. Bring a lawn chair and set up at the Nature Center to view the eclipse. No registration needed; first come, first served. Meet at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center. Free (with paid admission). https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityoffortworth/activity/search/detail/35996?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&locale=en-US
Amon Carter Museum: Enjoy the total solar eclipse from the lawn of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Glasses will be available for purchase in the Museum Shop for visitors before April 8.
Map: Texans will be able to see this rare event along a line from Del Rio to Texarkana.
Learn more about eclipse events from Visit Fort Worth. https://www.fortworth.com/2024-fort-worth-eclipse/
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