BCFNS NEWSLETTER
SPECIAL ANNULAR ECLIPSE EDITION
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MEMBERS SHARE THOUGHTS ABOUT THEIR ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE
"The pictures I took of the shadows during the eclipse resembled modern art paintings. What a great event to watch, and Blanco was blessed with clear skies." ~David Smith
“Although we were in East Texas, we still got maybe 80% of totality. At its peak, the sun looked like a crescent moon...a very BRIGHT crescent moon. I'm glad we had our eclipse glasses!” ~Wayne Gosnell
“I think the shadows that were created were interesting.” ~Linda Whitlow
“The calendar was created for a reason. Unfortunately, I forgot to note the eclipse on mine and missed it! I had planned a trip to Oregon before I realized it was during the annular eclipse. But wait…the eclipse was due to pass over that area. I was so excited that I would still get to see it. But wait…Oregon is rather cloudy this time of year and yes, I missed it. I did get one peek of it between clouds and rain, but my view certainly didn’t do it justice. Guess what? The Total Eclipse is on my calendar! Be sure it is on yours so that you don’t make other plans. April 8, 2024!” ~Vicki Guidry
DAVID SMITH
MIKE LUNDY
Here are a few shots BCFNS Member, Mike Lundy shared on Facebook. Mike is an amateur Astro-photographer and regularly posts night sky pictures on his Instagram account at ml_astroworks
We had a great time, had a bunch of our kids here. We all had eclipse glasses and watched the full event together. Also had my telescope set up for pictures, as well as a visual telescope with sun filter for direct viewing. Inspired us to make pizzas (also round) that night!!" ~David Loose
DAVID LOOSE
We are now offering a second T-shirt with a different artistic version of an eclipse. This one was painted by Blanco High School student, Emily Sapp. You can order this eclipse T-shirt by going to the My Texas Gifts section of our website at: Order Your Eclipse T-Shirt Here
NEW ECLIPSE T-SHIRT
The “crown jewel of eclipses” is still in our future; don’t miss it. Blanco and Johnson City will be in the path of totality for the Total Solar Eclipse which will happen on April 8, 2024.
TOTAL ECLIPSE IN 2024
Eclipse Duration: 2 hours, 41 minutes
Totality: 3 minutes, 38 seconds
Partial begins: April 8 at 12:15:53 pm
Maximum: April 8 at 1:35:37 pm
Partial ends: April 8 at 2:56:48 pm
Times shown in local time (CDT)
This day was cloudy 51% of the time (since 2000)
Member, David Smith shared this comment about what we might expect:
These suggestions are meant to be helpful; not to create concern or panic. A large number of visitors are expected, and the comments below can help you prepare while leaving resources for our visitors. Try to do most of these things at least a week prior to the eclipse.
WHY should you do these things:
• There will be a lot of visitors
DON’T
• Do not try to view the eclipse without special glasses
DO
• Get a pair of eclipse viewing glasses; one per person if possible or you can share
• Stock up on groceries
“I was fortunate to have had a prior discussion with a scientist/astronomer who had traveled the world to see 7 prior total eclipses. He emphasized that not only is the viewing of the event spectacular, but so are the effects during the eclipse such as the drop in temperature, the behavior of animals, the fact that birds quit chirping, and to be sure to note the projection of shadows onto surfaces.”
DO’S and DON’TS for the TOTAL ECLIPSE
• If we prepare ahead of time that leaves time to restock for visitors
• There will be a lot of traffic
• There could be a short supply of fuel and groceries due to large anticipated crowds
o o It will damage your eyes
o o Sunglasses will not work; you can still damage your eyes
• Do not plan to “drive around” or go sightseeing
• Do not plan to go out to eat at a restaurant
• Plan to stay at home the weekend of the eclipse due to traffic concerns
• Consider taking a vacation day from work for the Monday, April 8, 2024 eclipse
• Close your garage door and lock up your home
• Be aware that cell phone and internet service could be disrupted due to increase of visitors and concentrated usage patterns. (This will NOT be caused by the eclipse.)
The week before:
• Refill needed prescriptions
• Fuel up your vehicle
• If you need cash; visit the ATM/Bank
For more information check out these websites for helpful suggestions, ideas, and information:
o www.blancocountyeclipse.org
o https://eclipse2024.org
o https://www.astronomy.com/observing/25-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-the-2024-total-solar-eclipse
o https://www.fredericksburg-texas.com/solar-eclipse
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND STAFF RECEIVE FREE ECLIPSE GLASSES
Blanco County students who attend Blanco or Johnson City ISD schools received eclipse glasses in time to safely view the October 14th annular solar eclipse. The glasses were provided, free of charge, by Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky (BCFNS).
Richard Kolek, Superintendent, Johnson City ISD was presented with 900 eclipse glasses and Clay Rosenbaum, Superintendent, Blanco ISD received 1300 glasses for distribution to all students, teachers, and staff. BCFNS President, Wayne Gosnell tells us “Both eclipses are extremely dangerous to look at directly without the correct eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2). It is very important to protect your eyes while viewing a solar eclipse.” Sunglasses do not provide enough protection and we hope others in the community purchased glasses from local vendors. BCFNS wanted to make sure our children were protected while observing this phenomenal event. Although these eclipses do not directly relate to the BCFNS mission of “saving the stars” they do promote awareness of nature and its beauty here in the Texas Hill Country! Visit our website home page at: https://www.blancocountynightsky.org and scroll down to find more information about the eclipses.
Presenting eclipse glasses to Richard Kolek, Johnson City ISD Superintendent (center) are Cynthia Keene,
BCFNS Member (left) and Barbara Hudson, BCFNS Board Member (right)
Holding eclipse glasses are (left to right) Jody Wright, BCFNS Member; Clay Rosenbaum,
Blanco ISD Superintendent; Renee and Mark Rinehart, BCFNS Members
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Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky
| P. O. Box 1402|Johnson
City | Texas | 78636 |
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