Representatives for numerous businesses and public spaces in the San Antonio area and the Hill Country said they will be providing an opportunity for people who want to safely view the total solar eclipse, scheduled for early afternoon April 8.

The background

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse takes place when the moon passes between the sun and Earth.

NASA officials said people watching the eclipse from places where the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun—called the path of totality—will see a total solar eclipse, which will be the last total eclipse of the sun visible from the United States until 2044.

Current situation


San Antonio city officials said a segment of the northwest side and much of the Hill Country will lie in the path of totality. For San Antonio, the partial eclipse will start at 12:14 p.m., with totality taking place between 1:32 and 1:36 p.m., and the partial eclipse ending at 2:55 p.m.

However, meteorologists with National Weather Service-Austin/San Antonio said that, as of April 2, most forecasts call for mostly cloudy skies locally during the solar eclipse. But NWS-Austin/San Antonio officials said recent weather trends indicate a more favorable forecast.

National Solar Observatory representatives said the solar eclipse path will cover several states, from Texas and Oklahoma, through parts of the Midwest and into New England.

Take action


San Antonio city officials said that wherever people watch the eclipse, viewers should take precautions, including:
  • Have proper eye protection (ISO 123 certified glasses).
  • Do not use regular sunglasses to view the eclipse.
  • Do not view the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer.
  • Pet parents should be watchful for any anxiety surrounding their dog or cat, and be aware that during the eclipse, noises will be heightened due to birds and insects becoming silent. Pets that may begin nighttime behaviors as if it is bedtime can be calmed with their favorite toys or treats in a safe, relaxing indoor place.
A few of the San Antonio-area venues where community members are invited to see the solar eclipse include:

Nine city of San Antonio parks and community centers, including Eisenhower Park, Hardberger Park, and the Granados Adult and Senior Center, where eclipse glasses will be available for viewers while supplies last.San Antonio Animal Care Services, where visitors may get a pair of viewing glasses, meet adoptable pets, and enjoy music and food truck treats.La Cantera Resort and Spa, where a percentage of proceeds from an eclipse viewing package will benefit The University of Texas at San Antonio Physics and Astronomy Department. The package will include eclipse glasses, one complimentary cocktail for adults, a soft drink for children, light bites, culinary lunch offerings and live music. Additionally, UTSA physics and astronomy staff and students will be on hand to help guests with telescope viewing and answer questions.
  • Noon-3 p.m.
  • $130 adults, $65 children ages 12 and under
  • Grille 254 and La Cantera Resort Driving Range, 16441 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio
  • www.lacanteraresort.com
Brackenridge Park, where local nonprofit Brackenridge Park Conservancy will supply free eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last.Lambermont Estate, where attendees may enjoy a gourmet-style picnic before and during the eclipse. Attendees may choose from charcuterie and lunch options for both adults and children. Additional food and beverages will also be available for purchase. Complimentary ice water will be provided. Visitors may bring a blanket and lawn chair.
  • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • $10 adults, $5 kids ages 15 and under, free for kids ages 3 and under; food option prices vary
  • 950 E. Grayson St., San Antonio
  • https://tinyurl.com/5n935zvj
Hemisfair, where visitors may get a free pair of viewing glasses and free goodies from Hemisfair vendors, and buy eclipse-themed paletas or ice cream and beverages.Six Flags Fiesta Texas, where visitors can enjoy theme park offerings with reduced operational hours, meaning guests can experience shorter lines. Eclipse viewers may gather at Lone Star Lil’s inside the park and safely watch the eclipse. During totality and darkness, there will be a brief drone and fireworks show.SeaWorld San Antonio, where guests may get viewing glasses while supplies last, and enjoy theme park offerings and presentations from staff at San Antonio’s Southwest Research Institute.Witte Museum, where visitors will receive viewing glasses while supplies last, and enjoy museum offerings.