by Nicole Bradford
The Houston area on Monday will be abound with events surrounding the April 8 solar eclipse, but for dedicated sky-watchers, the real question is whether to stay put or make what could be a grueling journey into the path of totality.
State transportation officials are predicting heavy traffic congestion heading into the path of totality. Weather forecasters’ news is not much better, with predicted cloudy skies making for less-than-stellar eclipse viewing.
Even so, near the center of the 115-mile-wide path of totality, the moon will line up between the Earth and the sun and block sunlight for more than four minutes — twice as long as the 2017 U.S. eclipse. Major cities on the path are Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo.
In the Houston area, the sun will be 93.7 percent obscured, and the sky will grow noticeably dimmer, experts say, peaking at approximately 1:15 p.m. Tourist draws such as the Houston Zoo, Museum of Natural Science and Space Center Houston have been promoting special events with everything from free eclipse glasses to eclipse-themed foods.
In Pearland, eclipse viewing parties are planned from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Southdown Park, 2150 Smith Ranch Road; Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Parkway; and Centennial Park, 3219 McLean Road.
Special eclipse glasses are recommended to avoid eye damage, and binoculars and telescopes should have a special solar filter for safe viewing. Eclipse viewers can be purchased at most vision centers and home improvement stores.
Thinking of heading to a state park in the path of totality? Better have a day reservation, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife, which has forecast all 31 parks in the path will be at capacity.
Parks and Wildlife staff also warn visitors to expect delays due to crowds and bring plenty of food and water — and not to park on roadways unless directed by park staff.
Some areas of totality may experience limited cellphone or internet service, according to TPWD.
Full solar eclipses occur every few years, but often in remote areas. North America won’t experience totality again until 2033, and then it will be only in Alaska. For the next one in 2044, totality will be in Western Canada, Montana and North Dakota. Another coast-to-coast U.S. eclipse won’t happen again until 2045.
