You’ve probably heard some buzz about the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

News from Gatesville/Eclipse

By Cheri Shepherd

City of Gatesville Special Events Coordinator

You’ve probably heard some buzz about the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. In case you are one of those who are still “in the dark” about this event, here are a few facts that Gatesville residents should know:

• The last total eclipse to cross the U.S. was in 2017. It cut a path from Oregon to South Carolina. Prior to that, the last total solar eclipse to cross the United States was in 1979 and the next will be in 2044.
• A total eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the view of the sun across a narrow band of the earth. The path of totality for the April 8, 2024 eclipse is approximately 150 miles wide. The closer to the center of this path you get, the longer duration of the eclipse you will see.
• Gatesville is right in the center of the path of totality for this eclipse. That means that we will see 4 minutes, 23.9 seconds of totality, making us one of the prime viewing locations in the world. The greatest duration of totality in the U.S. will be near Eagle Pass and will last 4 minutes, 26.8 seconds. By contrast, Austin will see 1 minute, 46 seconds, Dallas will experience 3 minutes, 49.7 seconds. San Antonio, Houston and Bryan/College Station will all be outside of the path.

We expect a large number of visitors not only staying in our hotels, but also staying with friends and relatives in their homes. We also anticipate that there will be heavy traffic on the day of the eclipse as people will drive to be closer to the longest duration of totality. Over the last year, the City of Gatesville has quietly been working on plans for hosting these visitors. With the anticipation of heavier traffic and greater numbers of people on the weekend of the eclipse and on that Monday, Police Chief Brad Hunt and Fire Chief Billy Vaden have been meeting with a group of public safety officials, including DPS, TxDoT, Coryell Health, Ft Cavasos Fire and Police, Game Wardens, GISD Police and more, to create a plan to work together to handle the traffic and any emergency situations.

We’ve also been communicating with local businesses to help them prepare for the increased demand for goods and services. From HEB and Walmart to our restaurants, gas stations, and boutiques, our businesses are making plans for this event.

Finally, we are working to put our best foot forward by providing a safe and memorable experience for our residents and visitors. On Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, the City of Gatesville and local organizations and community volunteers will host a downtown festival, dubbed “BLOCK (out the sun) PARTY.” This will be a free event with entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, fun activities for children and adults, and a free educational presentation by a NASA Ambassador in the City Auditorium. Sunday will feature a time of praise and worship on the square, with activities through the afternoon. On Monday, Gatesville ISD will hold a viewing party in McKamie Stadium, and Friends of the Gatesville Public Library will offer paid parking at the Gatesville Sports Complex/Civic Center. Our NASA Ambassador and his team will be on Box Field with telescopes and a projection camera. Admission to the field is free of charge.

I’ll be writing a regular column in the Gatesville Messenger to keep the community informed about these and other plans. Information is also available on www.GatesvilleTxEclipse.com and will be updated on a regular basis.