G illespie County is a prime destination this spring for viewing of the Great North American Eclipse, a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Fredericksburg will be in the path of totality, part of a narrow path where viewers will see total coverage of the sun.
Because of Fredericksburg’s optimal location for this rare celestial event, the area will likely see a significant number of visitors on April 8 and the surrounding days. Area officials expect an additional 100,000 visitors during the day of the eclipse.
THE ECLIPSE
The Great North American Eclipse is a total eclipse, an event when the moon passes between Earth and the sun. Because of the moon’s proximity to Earth, the moon’s diameter will completely block the direct light of the sun, causing darkness in the middle of the day.
On April 8, the eclipse will take place from 12:15 p.m. to 2:56 p.m. with the total eclipse taking place from 1:32 p.m. to 1:37 p.m. The time of total coverage of the sun is approximately four minutes and 30 seconds.
For those wishing to view the eclipse, eye safety is extremely important as viewing an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage. Viewers are encouraged to only use eclipse glasses with a rating of ISO 12312-2, a darkness thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses. Eclipse glasses are available at many locations throughout the county.
This is the first total eclipse to be seen in the United States since 2017; it won’t happen again until August 23, 2044.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Many of Fredericksburg’s accommodations are booked to near or full capacity for dates around the eclipse. Visitors should be prepared for limited availability of rooms and possible increased costs.
The area is also likely to experience increased traffic, with the highest congestion expected in the hours immediately following totality, as visitors drive back home.
Drivers should expect long delays and be prepared with fuel and personal resources.
The City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County have worked together to establish an Eclipse Task Force that is working to prepare the area for the increased demands from visitors.
Additional trash receptacles will be placed throughout the county. Mesh trash bags will be available for pickup at key locations, including the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau. These trash bags may be used by visitors to self-manage personal trash from their viewing location.
Additional portable restrooms will also be placed at key locations throughout the county.
The City of Fredericksburg is providing official viewing locations at both Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and the Marktplatz downtown square. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is located three miles south of downtown Fredericksburg off U.S. Highway 16 South.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area are also viewing locations, but may require reservations.
Many other businesses in the area are hosting private events for the eclipse, including many of the wineries in the county. Neither the city nor the county is hosting any official celebration. Visitors can visit visitfredericksburgtx. com/eclipse/events for a list of events planned in the area.
RESOURCES
Many resources can be found online at visitfredericksburgtx.com/eclipse/.
The website also contains lists of accommodations, locations for the purchase of eclipse glasses, and answers to frequently asked questions.
On the day of the eclipse, especially in the hours near and during totality, local radio station KNAF 910 AM will provide information to listeners on traffic conditions and any special announcements.
The city and county have also provided an informational video with details of the eclipse, recommendations on how to prepare and information about important resources. The video can be viewed at: youtu.be/2RR49lrZsfk?si=zJNOT z3ctm6Xcubn.
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