The National Weather Service will be sending out updates over the next week due to the total solar eclipse in our region.
You can find a synopsis of the eclipse with Instructor Richard Bonde from the College of Science & Engineering in TCU News here: https://www.tcu.edu/news/2024/tcu-faculty-sheds-light-on-upcoming-eclipse.php
You can find information of campus viewing locations for faculty, staff and students here: https://what2do.tcu.edu/event/solar-eclipse/
Eye Safety for Total Solar Eclipse
Here are some important safety guidelines to follow during a total solar eclipse from NASA.
- View the sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
- You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the moon completely obscures the sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
- As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the s
If you plan to view the eclipse from campus, please do so in one of the designated location where eclipse glasses will be distributed. Per TCU News article with Bonde, “TCU will be providing eclipse glasses at their viewing stations. For those not on campus, make arrangements to get glasses as soon as possible. Except for the roughly four minutes of totality, the eclipse glasses need to be on any time you look at the sun. It is perfectly safe to look at the sun during totality. “
Other Potential Challenges/Risks
Emergency planning for the eclipse will be similar to planning for a hurricane in regards to traffic, supply chain and communications. Prepare in advance for gas, groceries and secondary communications measures.
- Expect heavy to gridlocked traffic conditions before and after the eclipse. There will be a large portion of visitors to our region, which could cause delays in traffic especially immediately following the event. Drive to a safe viewing area to view the eclipse, if you are watching off campus.
- Limited cell phone service due to heightened network use. Have a backup plan for communicating in an emergency.
- Potentially limited gasoline availability because of increase in travelers. Try to run errands in advance due to potential closures or delays.
“Be prepared for lots of traffic and congestion, especially within the hour or so before and after totality. Freeways especially are going to be congested. Get where you’re going early, and, if you can, stay put for a few hours after the eclipse. “ – Richard Bond
Eclipse Day Forecast 04/08/2024
Severe thunderstorm chances return this afternoon, AFTER the eclipse. There may only be a short window (2-3 hours) between the eclipse and strong to severe storms for some areas. Make your safety plan NOW and have multiple ways to receive warnings! The primary threat is large hail, but tornadoes, damaging winds, and flooding are all possible. The severe weather threat will continue into the overnight hours for much of the area.
