|
|
Download & Print
October 3, 2023
The annular eclipse is right around the corner, it’s time to prepare
Local museums hosting eclipse viewing events
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
More than a year of planning, meeting, discussing and learning will soon culminate as the much-anticipated annular solar eclipse appears overhead. On the morning of Saturday, Oct. 14, the moon will slowly cross in front of the sun. From Bandera’s vantage point, a ring of fire will hang in the sky for about four minutes, one of the longest durations in the world.
Bandera residents are advised to stay home if possible, and take some precautions to ensure a crisis-free experience. The Bandera County Emergency Management team is suggesting locals complete tasks days ahead of the eclipse, including scheduling appointments, grocery shopping, filling up gas tanks, and picking up prescriptions. Other advice includes having cash on hand, getting proper eye protection, and expecting slower cell and internet service - which may affect incoming/outgoing calls, and the use of credit and debit cards.
“Now is the perfect time to review your family’s emergency plan. Decide in advance how you will communicate with loved ones…designate a meeting point if you get separated in a crowd,” Emergency Management stated.
Ditto for six months from now, when on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will carve its path over Bandera. Though it remains unknown exactly how many people will cross the county lines in less than two weeks, the annular eclipse will serve as a learning experience for next year, when experts all but guarantee an influx of up to 80,000 tourists, all trying to crowd in to experience the astronomical phenomenon, which will not be viewable again in the U.S. for 20 years.
The transition will begin at about 10:23 a.m. Totality will take place at 11:50 a.m., and last just more than four minutes until the moon has moved fully away at 1:33 p.m.
Museum Events Planned
~ On the eve of the eclipse, the Frontier Times Museum will host the Moonshine & Moon Pies Party with their sponsor, Ole Smoky Tennessee Distillery, and their variety of moonshine flavors. On Friday, Oct. 13, from 6-9 p.m., guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres catered by the Bandera High School culinary students, while entertained by the Hot Pickins 57 Bluegrass Band. This event is for 21 and older. Tickets are $25 each, and include admission to the museum exhibits.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, guests are invited to view the eclipse on the museum grounds. Doors open at 10 a.m. The Frontier Times Museum is at 510 13th Street.
For more information, go to www.frontiertimesmuseum.org, or call 830-796-3864.
~ Also on Saturday, Oct. 14, the Bandera Natural History Museum will host a Dino-Solar event. Astronomers will be on site to assist with safe viewing, while guided tours take place inside after the event and outdoors among the dinosaurs during the transition. Food will be available, as well as crafts and family activities. Entry is $50 per vehicle, which includes a maximum of six people. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited, and free eclipse viewing glasses will be given to all guests. Gates open at 8 a.m. for those with reservations. Museum doors open at 10 a.m. The Bandera Natural History Museum Museum is at 267 Old San Antonio Hwy. Call the museum at 830-328-5090, or go to www.banderanhm.org for more information.
Bandera residents are advised to stay home if possible, and take some precautions to ensure a crisis-free experience. The Bandera County Emergency Management team is suggesting locals complete tasks days ahead of the eclipse, including scheduling appointments, grocery shopping, filling up gas tanks, and picking up prescriptions. Other advice includes having cash on hand, getting proper eye protection, and expecting slower cell and internet service - which may affect incoming/outgoing calls, and the use of credit and debit cards.
“Now is the perfect time to review your family’s emergency plan. Decide in advance how you will communicate with loved ones…designate a meeting point if you get separated in a crowd,” Emergency Management stated.
Ditto for six months from now, when on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will carve its path over Bandera. Though it remains unknown exactly how many people will cross the county lines in less than two weeks, the annular eclipse will serve as a learning experience for next year, when experts all but guarantee an influx of up to 80,000 tourists, all trying to crowd in to experience the astronomical phenomenon, which will not be viewable again in the U.S. for 20 years.
The transition will begin at about 10:23 a.m. Totality will take place at 11:50 a.m., and last just more than four minutes until the moon has moved fully away at 1:33 p.m.
Museum Events Planned
~ On the eve of the eclipse, the Frontier Times Museum will host the Moonshine & Moon Pies Party with their sponsor, Ole Smoky Tennessee Distillery, and their variety of moonshine flavors. On Friday, Oct. 13, from 6-9 p.m., guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres catered by the Bandera High School culinary students, while entertained by the Hot Pickins 57 Bluegrass Band. This event is for 21 and older. Tickets are $25 each, and include admission to the museum exhibits.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, guests are invited to view the eclipse on the museum grounds. Doors open at 10 a.m. The Frontier Times Museum is at 510 13th Street.
For more information, go to www.frontiertimesmuseum.org, or call 830-796-3864.
~ Also on Saturday, Oct. 14, the Bandera Natural History Museum will host a Dino-Solar event. Astronomers will be on site to assist with safe viewing, while guided tours take place inside after the event and outdoors among the dinosaurs during the transition. Food will be available, as well as crafts and family activities. Entry is $50 per vehicle, which includes a maximum of six people. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited, and free eclipse viewing glasses will be given to all guests. Gates open at 8 a.m. for those with reservations. Museum doors open at 10 a.m. The Bandera Natural History Museum Museum is at 267 Old San Antonio Hwy. Call the museum at 830-328-5090, or go to www.banderanhm.org for more information.