This weekend, Tyler Junior College will host public viewing events for the first of two historic solar eclipses that will pass through East Texas in 2023 and 2024.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, an annular — or partial — eclipse will cross North America from northwest to southeast. An annular eclipse occurs when the moon is farthest from Earth and blocks about 80 percent of the sun, creating a “ring of fire” effect around the moon.
The eclipse will last from 10:25 a.m. until 1:32 p.m. local time, and the degree of darkness will resemble evening. The next such event in Tyler won’t occur until the year 2165.
TJC science center viewing party
The TJC Earth and Space Science Center will host a free viewing party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the center, located at 1411 E. Lake St., on the TJC central campus.
Solar telescopes and observation stations will be set up, and free solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.
A livestream of the eclipse will also be shown inside the Hudnall Planetarium’s 40-foot, domed theater.
For more information, go to sciencecenter.tjc.edu.
TJC homecoming viewing party near Rose Stadium
This year’s TJC homecoming theme, “3, 2, 1 … The Countdown has Begun,” was specifically chosen to highlight the eclipse that will occur just hours before kickoff of TJC’s 3 p.m. homecoming game against the Blinn College Buccaneers.
Before the game, the TJC Alumni Association will host a Homecoming Tailgate & Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, at the Brookshire Conference Center/Rose Complex Park.
This year’s TJC homecoming theme, “3, 2, 1 … The Countdown has Begun,” was specifically chosen to highlight the eclipse that will occur just hours before kickoff of TJC’s 3 p.m. homecoming game against the Blinn College Buccaneers.
Local DJ and TJC alumnus Doc Deason will play solar-themed tunes, TJC mascot Harry the Hawk will be on hand for photo ops, and the TJC Cheer team will entertain the crowd.
Registered guests will receive a box lunch from Jack’s Catering, beverages, solar eclipse viewing glasses and other homecoming eclipse treats. To register, go to TJC.edu/Homecoming. Food trucks will also have lunch items available for purchase.
Total solar eclipse coming to Tyler in 2024
On April 8, 2024, the city of Tyler will be in the coveted path of totality for a total eclipse, which will last from 12:24 p.m. until 3:04 p.m. local time.
Totality — which occurs when the sun is entirely and perfectly blocked by the moon, which casts a shadow on Earth — will result in 2 minutes total darkness, from 1:43 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.
“Tyler hasn’t experienced a total eclipse since 1878 — 144 years ago — and it will be the last total eclipse visible in Texas for the rest of this millennium,” said Dr. Beau Hartweg, TJC science center director. “The next total eclipse in Tyler will occur beyond the year 3000. So, it’s fair to say that we are very excited about these historic events.”