Can I come to the Canyon to see the Eclipse?
Unfortunately, the Canyon will be closed to guests during the total eclipse. We recommend Kerrville as a better viewing location, as Kerrville is the location NASA has chosen as its base for both the annular eclipse on October 14, 2023, and the total eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Do I need special eclipse glasses?
Yes! It is not safe to look at the sun directly even during an eclipse, and doing so can result in severe eye injury. Eclipse glasses should be ISO certified to protect your eyes from solar radiation.
How do I prepare for the eclipses?
Great question! If you’d like to view the eclipse, you’ll need ISO certified glasses—and we have some available. If you will be traveling to view the eclipse, know that areas in the path of the eclipse are expecting a large influx of people, similar to a hurricane evacuation. This will likely result in traffic congestion (increased travel time) and possible supply shortages (gas and food). We know that overnight lodging is already fully booked in most locations.
Is the H. E. Butt Foundation providing eclipse glasses to guests?
Yes! The Foundation has purchased several thousand pairs of ISO certified glasses that meet the requirements for safe direct solar viewing. We will distribute these glasses free of charge in the hill country.
When is the solar eclipse?
There are two solar eclipses. The first is an annular eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The second is a total eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.
What is the best place to view the solar eclipse?
We recommend Kerrville as the best viewing location, as Kerrville is the location NASA has chosen as its base for both the annular eclipse on October 14, 2023, and the total eclipse on April 8, 2024.
What is a solar eclipse?
According to NASA, “a total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon completely covers the Sun—known as the path of totality—will experience the breathtaking sight of a total solar eclipse.”
Why is this such a big deal?
I mean, it’s totally cool, right? There will be two significant eclipses over the Texas Hill Country within 6 months of each other.
Also, because eclipses are somewhat rare, we expect a significant number of people to travel to the area to view the eclipse, especially the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. Traffic is predicted to be roughly similar to a hurricane evacuation.
How might I be affected by the eclipse?
We anticipate increased traffic in the Texas Hill Country because it is in the direct path of both eclipses. Our hotels are already booked, many of them with four-night minimums, and we are planning for possible supply shortages around food, staples, and gas—especially in more remote areas.
Will the world end?
Eventually! But we don’t expect either eclipse to trigger a zombie apocalypse.
How might the eclipse affect travel times to and from the Canyon?
The city of Kerrville is expecting 150,000 or more visitors for the eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. Some have estimated as many as 500,000 visitors. This could mean 23 times the total population of Kerrville shows up, so local roads will likely be very congested, similar to a hurricane evacuation. Plan for longer travel times and make sure to have a full tank of gas before you leave.
We do not have formal estimates from Real County or Leakey about their expected traffic, but similar rural communities were overwhelmed by tourists during the 2017 total eclipse. For that reason, we are discouraging non-residents from travelling to Real County to view the eclipse.
How many people will be traveling to the Texas Hill Country for the eclipse?
The city of Kerrville is expecting 150,000 – 500,000 visitors for the eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.
What if it’s cloudy?
A cloudy forecast is a possibility. If this happens, it’s possible that eclipse viewers will attempt to travel to nearby locations for a better view, and this unexpected movement may cause additional traffic delays.
Are there eclipses in the Bible?
Maybe! Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Joel all wrote passages that describe the sun and moon going dark. Matthew and Mark both use eclipse imagery to describe God’s power over Creation. In Revelation, John uses eclipse imagery to describe the results of heavenly actions like breaking the sixth seal or sounding an angelic trumpet. Biblical scholars disagree about whether these passages describe eclipses, were inspired by eclipses, or describe a different celestial phenomenon that reveals the power of God.
Can I host an event in the Canyon or bring a group to view the eclipse from the H. E. Butt Foundation property on the Frio River?
Unfortunately, the H. E. Butt Foundation Camp will be closed from April 6-9 to all visitors and non-essential staff. We recommend Kerrville as a better viewing location, as Kerrville is the location NASA has chosen as its base for both the annular eclipse on October 14, 2023, and the total eclipse on April 8, 2024.
