A total solar eclipse can be viewed across the United States on Monday, Aug. 21. In the Coastal Bend, we’ll only see about 57 percent coverage.
On Monday, Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will cross the United States, west to east. The path of “totality” — a period when the moon eclipses the sun and creates complete darkness — stretches from Oregon to South Carolina.
The Coastal Bend falls approximately 1,000 miles south of the direct path of the eclipse, so the moon will cover only about 57 percent of the sun in this part of Texas.
Although only a partial eclipse, it is still a phenomenal experience: the last total eclipse was in 1979, and before that in 1918.
[image id="23711" title="Solar eclipse 2017"] The darkest stripe indicates the path of totality, where the eclipse will be the strongest (or, most dark). While the Coastal Bend is nearly 1,000 miles from the path of totality, the eclipse over south Texas will be significant. Image capture from timeanddate.com
HOW TO WATCH
Don’t look directly at the sun — you’ll do serious damage to your eyesight without proper eyewear. The safest way to view an eclipse — whether total or partial — is indirectly, through a pinhole viewer or while wearing special eclipse glasses.
You can DIY your own pinhole viewer following these directions from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
You can also purchase special glasses to look directly at the eclipse — but be wary. The glasses must be NASA-approved and ISO-rated. NASA has released a list of places that sell safe, legitimate solar eclipse glasses here.
WHEN TO WATCH
In the Coastal Bend, the eclipse starts at 11:45.21 a.m. with maximum coverage (about 65.63 percent) occurring at 1:14 p.m. The eclipse ends at 2:42.06 p.m.
It’s a two-hour, 56-minute, 45-second event. Extended weather forecasts are predicting a full day of sunshine (except during the eclipse, of course).
WHERE TO WATCH
While you can certainly experience the eclipse from your own backyard, we recommend these spots in the Coastal Bend.
The Padre Island National Seashore
Imagine lying on the beach to soak up the sun, and all of the sudden the sun disappears. Watch the eclipse from the coastline in pure, uninterrupted nature and see how the solar eclipse effects wildlife in action.
The Padre Island National Seashore is located at 20420 Park Rd 22.
Mustang Island State Park is at 17047 Texas Hwy 61.
Corpus Christi Seawall
Look out over the Corpus Christi Bay to see the eclipse shroud the ocean in darkness. Pay attention to the seagulls and how their behavior changes during the eclipse. While you’re at it, take a walk along the seawall’s “Voyage: Journey through the Universe.” The outdoor exhibit is a scale replica of the solar system, with the planets lined along the seawall. As you walk from Mercury to Pluto, you’ll get a real feel for the size of the planets in relationship to each other as well as our solar system.
The seawall runs along Shoreline Blvd in downtown Corpus Christi.
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Attend Solar Eclipse Day at the Museum of Science and History. The children’s museum invites 4th and 5th graders to the event from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The educational event will explain the science and cultural significance of eclipses, with fun activities such as pin hole views, planetarium shows and more.
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is located at 1900 N Chaparral St. Call 361-826-4667 for more information.
The Texas State Aquarium
On the top floor of the brand new Caribbean Exhibit is a balcony that offers dramatic, panoramic views of Corpus Christi Bay. From here, you’ll see darkness sweep over downtown. While the aquarium isn’t hosting an official event for the eclipse, it would still be a great place to view it — and also view dolphins, sharks, jellyfish and more.
The Texas State Aquarium is located at 2710 N Shoreline Blvd. Call 361-881-1200 for more information.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center
The Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department will host a partial eclipse watch event from 12:30-1:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, though it is recommended to register in advance.
The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center is located at 2446 N. Oso Parkway. Visit the website for more information.
