Annular Solar Eclipse Viewing Roadtrip

**UPDATE:**
The City of Natalia administrator has told me they are expecting a sizable crowd in addition to our rather large group. The park we have chosen has limited parking and the city may have to put some restriction on park use.

I have updated the carpool, location and lunch sections. Please read them again.

**Please remember this is a very loosely organized event. Flexibility is key to having fun.**

**This is a road trip rather than a hike. Please read the entire description.**
Get yourself warmed up for the *[Total Eclipse](https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2024/apr-8-total/overview/)*[ in 2024.](https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2024/apr-8-total/overview/)

This event is in conjunction with several other meetup groups. Houston Area Trails and More, More and More, and City Walks – Houston.

The event meeting place and time is for the carpool. Everyone may of course drive independently.

An annular eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly in front of the sun but leaves a ring where the edge of the sun remains visible. (An annulus in Latin)

This will not be visible in Houston.

**Equipment Needed:**
Looking at a partially eclipsed sun for even a short time can cause profound and permanent eye damage. You **MUST** bring glasses or other devices that are ISO certified for direct sun viewing with you.

[NASA Page for Eye Safety During an Annular Eclipse](https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2023/oct-14-annular/safety/)

[Click here for glasses on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Soluna+Solar+Eclipse+Glasses&crid=11100IDEJR93T&sprefix=soluna+solar+eclipse+glasses%2Caps%2C168&ref=nb_sb_noss_1)

We will be sitting at the park for several hours. The selected park has a shelter and bathroom. But it is a small town so we don’t know for sure if the facilities will be available. Bring a camp chair, sunscreen and an umbrella for shade.

**Community Carpool:**
Everyone gets a ride or a rider. Leaving at 7:00 AM sharp.
Fry Road Park and Ride
S. Fry Road and I-10
20019 Fry Access Rd.
[Google Maps Link](https://goo.gl/maps/18HFkAk4qQDicxw67)

**If you are driving a carpool. The moment you car is filled, please leave so we can know who else need to ride.**

**If you haven’t done a carpool with us before this is how it works. We meet so people have an *opportunity* to get a ride or a rider. There is no guarantee you won’t need to drive. We do this very quickly, and leave as soon as possible. Do not be late.**

***This is not a caravan event:***
**Don’t expect to be able to follow other drivers. Be prepared to use the Google Maps directions.**

**The Event:**
We will drive to a location along the centerline of the eclipse. The prefered site is a park in Natalia TX. About a three hour drive.

The plan is to arrive at the selected site around 10 AM to set up chairs. The partial eclipse will begin about 10:30. It will become annular at 11:52AM and last four minutes. The eclipse will completely end about 1:40.

We will leave for lunch some time after the end of the annular portion is over and the eclipse is receding.

In case of overcast skies at the prime spot, we will go to the backup location. I’ll post a comment around 7:00 AM. If both are completely overcast, we can decide to cancel by consensus.

**Prime Site: Natalia, TX:**
La Pasadita Mexican restaurant is in Natalia if you want breakfast on arrival.
**Haywood Park**
901 6th St, Natalia, TX 78059
[Google Maps Link](https://goo.gl/maps/6scK4HT17vqKsPqf8)
[Weather](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=29.1944&lon=-98.8577&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical)
There is a shade structure and bathrooms in the park.

**Veterans Park**
2000 block of 2nd Street.
[Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oB9hwc7RtL2TgzFr9)
More parking. The City Hall across the street will be open for bathroom use.

**Lunch:**
There will be far too many of us to drop in on one small town restaurant. So lunch will be by carpool.

**Suggestions:**
La Pasadita Mexican Restaurant 1963 2nd St, Natalia, TX 78059
Powerplant Texas Grill in Seguin.
A favorite place in San Antonio.
Luling City Market BBQ

**Backup Site: Corpus Christi:**
In case cloudy weather is predicted for Natalia, the fall back is Corpus Christi. Drive to the shore and find a place to stop near Norma Urban Park. There are two restaurants in the park and appear to be public bathrooms.

Norma Urban Park
76 Peoples St T-Head, Corpus Christi
The corner is the location of the Selena Memorial Statue.
[Google Maps Link](https://goo.gl/maps/Awv67XZNXvcJodyx5)
[Weather](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=27.6197&lon=-97.3006&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical)
Lunch:We can decide on the fly.

**More About this Event:**
[https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/](https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2023/oct-14-annular/where-when/)
[The April 8 2024 total eclipse.](https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2024/apr-8-total/overview/)