The moon begins to pass in front of the sun from the top left.
The moon is halfway to covering the sun.
Johnny's head becomes a partial eclipse
The moon begins to pass in front of the sun from the top left.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse is a spectacular astronomical event that occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, obscuring its entire disk from view. This phenomenon takes place during the daytime when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, casting an ominous shadow on the Earth's surface.
What is the difference between Partial and Totality?
A partial eclipse is when the moon does not completely cover the sun.
A total eclipse completely covers the entire surface of the sun, and is called Totality.
During a partial eclipse you must view it all through solar glasses so all you see is a yellow disc (sun) with a dark circle (moom) covering it.
During a total solar eclipse, when the moon covers it all, you can take off your glasses and watch the world plunge into a brief and extraordinary darkness, resembling sunrise and sunset. This sudden transition in lighting creates a mesmerizing and surreal atmosphere. During totality, the darkness allows planets and stars to become visible in the daytime sky, adding an extra layer of celestial wonder to the experience.
The Four Phases of a Total Solar Eclipse
Phase 1: 12:17pm - The moon begins to cover the sun
The moon begins it journey across the face of the sun.
Certified ISO 12312-2 solar glasses will be provided to avoid permanent damage to your retina. Binoculars are not needed, but in order to see any sun spots, such as in the photos, we will have solar binoculars to share. We will also have special filters for your phone camera.
Phase 2: 1:34pm - COMPLETE TOTALITY and the Ring of Fire
Once the moon has completely covered the sun, you can safely take off your solar glasses and will now experience with your naked eye one of the most incredible awe striking moment of your life. You will experience the sky dimmed to the level of sunrise and above you will be a black hole surround by a fiery ring being the sun's solar corona). This is known as The Ring of Fire.
For the next 4 minutes and 24 seconds (the longest totality in the U.S.), the temperature will suddenly drop about 12°. (Likely where we are from 80° to 68°). You will look around and see a 360° sunrise. Birds will begin chirping thinking it is sunrise. It is a primeval experience absolutely beyond description.
Phase 3: 1:38pm - "Baily's Beads" and the famous "Diamond Ring".
Solar glasses will need to be put back on to watch the sun's fiery light begins to peak out from behind the moon creating "Baily's Beads". This effect occurs when gaps in the Moon's rugged terrain allows sunlight to pass through in some places.
Immediately after comes the famous "Diamond Ring".
Phase 4: 2:57pm - The end of the eclipse.
For the remaining 1 hour and 19 minutes, the moon will continue to finish its path across the sun until the world becomes normal again and you will now have checked a Total Solar Eclipse off your Bucket List.
When the eclipse discussion comes up in the future, it will be hard not to rain on other's parade who only saw a Partial Eclipse. It is hard to explain, but when you meet another person who also experienced TOTALITY, it will be like some type of strange bond only Totaliers will understand.
Austin, Texas
The Live Music Capital of the World
Texas was chosen as our viewing location due to the likelihood of clear skies, the longest time of totality, and the proximity to other activities such as Austin.
Our viewing location will be dead center of the eclipse's path.
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Austin proudly holds the title of the "Live Music Capital of the World." We will enjoy live performances across a variety of genres at numerous venues scattered along 6th Street, including iconic spots like the Continental Club, Antone's, and the Mohawk.
Austin specializes in their own version of Tex-Mex food. While certainly not Mexican cuisine, it does have its own unique interpretation that can be quite delicious.
Austin boasts the largest urban concentration Mexican Free-Tailed Bats. Thousands of bats have made the Congress Avenue Bridge their ideal bat cave, and at dusk, the emerge from the bridge and the sky is covered with bats as they scatter over downtown Lady Bird Lake.
Austin's greatest natural beauty is Lake Travis, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas. It is fed by the Colorado River with steep mountainous shores featuring limestone cliffs, coves, and scenic overlooks.
Naturally we will be spending the day on Lake Tavis on our private pontoon boat.
Afterwards we will dine overlooking the lake and watch the famous Lake Travis sunset!
Itinerary
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Fri, April 5 - Arrivals in Austin, TX. AUS airport.
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Sat, April 6 - E-bike the city of Austin stopping off at all the iconic bars and music venues.
At sunset we will board a boat and watch the bats fly out from Congress Avenue Bridge. This is a narrated event so it should be very interesting.
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Sun, April 7 - Boating on Lake Travis on our private 23' pontoon boat.
That evening we will dine on Lake Travis and watch their famous sunsets.
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Mon, April 8 - THE BIG DAY! We will drive out to a remote spot and position ourselves dead center of the path to experience the longest time of totality in the United States. No crowds and the entire eclipse to ourselves.
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Tues, April 9 - Departures with life-long memories and another check on your Bucket List of Adventures.
Reserve Now!
This adventure is capped at 12 guests with first deposit priority
$1,450 p/p includes everything except airfare and your food & beverages.
(Based on dbl occupancy. Add $490 for single not sharing a hotel room)
Includes:
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4 nights lodging at the Sonesta Simply Suites Austin South.
(Due to being booked a year ago, they did not realize the eclipse so we are getting an incredible rate) -
Transportation between airport, hotel, boating, and remote viewing site.
(2 spacious mini vans for ease of transportation) -
Full day e-bike city tour.
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Bat tour.
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Lake Travis boating including lunch and all-u-can drink beer & wine on our private pontoon.
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if cancelled before March 1, 2024.
75% refund if cancelled before March 8, 2024.
50% refund if cancelled before March 15.
No refunds after March 15th.
If you want trip insurance, please reach out to me and I will research for you. Please understand, the vendors I am working with do not give refunds so I have to protect my costs. Thank you.