A fiery view to enjoy in Texas
The “ring of fire” name for this particular type of solar eclipse is derived from the especially vibrant appearance lucky viewers will witness when it occurs. The alignment of the Moon and Sun during this event makes the Moon look smaller than the Sun by just the smallest measure. While the Moon manages to block out the majority of the light as it passes between the Sun and the Earth, the outer rim of the Sun is left exposed. This creates a fiery outer ring appearance that lends itself well to the eclipse’s name.
Padre Island National Seashore in Texas offers solar eclipse viewers 66 miles of coastline from which to settle in and savor the sights overhead on October 14. The eclipse is expected to occur here at 11:56 a.m. CDT. Those who are aligning their telescopes for the spectacle will want to make sure they’re positioned at 49 degrees over the horizon facing in a south-southeast direction.
Once the solar eclipse occurs, viewers watching from Padre Island National Seashore are expected to be able to enjoy the sight for a full four minutes and 52 seconds. If you’re worried about getting set up in time, the team over at NASA has created a convenient and interactive solar eclipse map for observers. Here, you can track eclipse progress in real-time from your specific destination to make sure you’re ready to go when the view is set to get impressive.
Where to watch and what to bring
There are many places to set up your telescope or beach chair to view the solar eclipse along Padre Island National Seashore. However, the most unobstructed vantage points are found at Whitecap Beach. This stretch of shoreline is located at the northern end of the island and hosts the Padre Island Seawall. Here, you can feel free to enjoy a scenic stroll while you wait for the big moment to arrive.
Getting to the Padre Island National Seashore on time for some of the best solar eclipse views is simple — but controlling the weather isn’t. Padre Island boasts a subtropical climate, which makes for refreshingly mild winters. However, it also comes with an increased risk of rain during hurricane season from June to November. The weather this time of year can change very quickly, so it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the forecast before making your solar eclipse viewing plans.
If the forecast for October 14 happens to be clear, don’t forget to pack the gear you’ll need to make it a safe viewing experience. You’ll need to invest in a quality pair of solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. If you’re planning to observe through a telescope or binoculars, you’ll also need to outfit your gear with a solar filter for the lenses.
