TEMPLE, Texas — Skywatchers across the United States, including right here in Central Texas, can start planning for two upcoming solar eclipses thanks to a new map by NASA.
The map depicts the continental U.S. and details the projected path of the Moon's shadow for the 1) annual solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023; and 2) the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
During the annual solar eclipse, the Moon will not completely block the sun, but instead create a "ring of fire" effect along the dark path with orange circles. This could best be seen by Central Texans if they travel to San Antonio by 11:55 p.m.
During the total solar eclipse, however, the Moon will completely block the sun and create a path of totality along the dark path with purple circles. This could best be seen in Killeen, Temple and Waco by 1:40 p.m.
(Fun fact: The 2024 eclipse will be the first time in 146 years where a total solar eclipse will be visible from Waco. The last time was in 1878!)
NASA says those inside the circles will have the best views of both celestial events, as well as view it longer than those outside of the circles along the dark path.
