Cosmos – Total Solar Eclipse Viewing

## Details

**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.**
This event is co-hosted on Houston Area Trails & More, More and More, City Walks Houston and Houston Science Enthusiasts.

The shadow of the sun will two step across Texas (and much of the North America) on Monday, April 8, 2024. Take the day off work because this is an event not to miss.
Humans throughout the ages have been awed by solar eclipses believing them to be omens of change. The last one in the USA didn’t bring the end of the world but it made a change in those of us who who saw it in 2017.

**This will not be visible in Houston.**

**Equipment Needed:**
Even a short time looking at a partially eclipsed sun can cause profound and permanent eye damage. You **MUST** bring ISO direct sun viewing certified glasses.
[NASA Page for Eye Safety During an Eclipse](https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/#eye-safety-total)
[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)

How to view the eclipse without glasses:
[Click Here](https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/how-to-view-eclipse#:~:text=Use%20two%20pieces%20of%20cardboard,your%20screen%20as%20you%20can.)

**The easiest place to reach the centerline from Houston is Ennis, TX.** I am expecting less traffic than if we went west. We will be sitting at the park for a few hours. Bluebonnet Park has a shelter and bathroom. Bring a camp chair, snacks and sunscreen.

**COMMUNITY CARPOOL:**
Everyone gets a ride or a rider
Look for my dark gray F150.
Be outside your car by the departure time so we can see you.
Contact Tom if you need help finding us – 832-439-5797

**Leaving at 8:00 AM sharp.**
Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center.
2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
[Google Map Link](https://goo.gl/DB1pGZ)

Allow extra time for traffic to reach the carpool location.

If you haven’t done a carpool with us before, we meet to have an *opportunity* to get a ride or a rider. Anyone may still need to drive. We do this quickly. *Do not be late.* If you are riding, check with the driver for *their* plans for lunch and return time.

**This is not a caravan.** Don’t expect to be able to follow other drivers. Be able to use Google Maps for directions.
Without traffic it is about 3 hours to Ennis. With traffic the carpool hopes to arrive 11:30 to noon.

**Weather:**
[Accuweather](https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/ennis/75119/hourly-weather-forecast/336069)
[NOAA](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=32.3296&lon=-96.6237&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical)

**Gathering Point:**
Bluebonnet Park, Ennis TX.
A large parking area with a covered pavilion, lakeside walking trails and bathrooms.
201 US-287, Ennis, TX 75119
[Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Px8vxBcziXA2VqK39)

**Alternate Location:**
In the event of overcast weather at the prime spot, we will drive to an alternative west of Houston.

Kerrville will be a good location for this. It is about four hours from Houston. Once you pass San Antonio, you will be able to see the full eclipse. If traffic prevents reaching Kerrville, pull off the highway and park anywhere. Watch from your location. By going to Kerrville, the eclipse will be a bit longer and darker.

Kerrville Sports Complex Soccer Fields
117 Sweeper Ln N, Kerrville, TX 78028
[Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3CaWAduXkJmiSWGY6)

**Event Schedule:**
The eclipse will reach totality at 1:40. Totality will last 4:23 minutes.
You want to plan to be in place before noon to beat the traffic and watch the eclipse develop. There may be larger than expected crowds. Be prepared to stop where wherever you happen to be before 1:00 PM.
We will leave about 2PM as the eclipse is receding to find a place for lunch. Since we will be coming into Houston during rush hour. Count on additional traffic getting home.

**More about this Eclipse:**
The learn more or find other places for viewing across North America.
[https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/](https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/)

**About Ennis:**
The city is hosting a weekend of events with camping available. There are winerys in the area and it is close to the culture of the Big D.
[https://www.eclipseoverennis.com/](https://www.eclipseoverennis.com/)

*Top image via Wikimedia*