2024 Total Solar Eclipse

[KK6DYO]

My family traveled to Rexburg Idaho for the 2017 solar eclipse. Rexburg was in the path of totality (i.e., sun fully blocked by the moon).

Though lasting only a few minutes, it was the most amazing physical phenomenon that I’ve ever witnessed.

We started our trip planning only a few months before and found that virtually all accommodations were sold out. Only through the persistence of my wife did we (she) find a mowed down corn field (outlined in red) about 5 miles south of Rexburg that was used to pack in campers.

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This video just doesn’t capture the beauty of the event, but does show you how many neighbors you’ll have if you don’t plan early.

YouTube Video of August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse

Anyway, that was 2017. By the way, my photography and video attempts mainly failed due to lack of research.


For folks living in the United States, I highly recommend early planning for the next one that will cross the states on April 8, 2024.

The duration of totality runs from around 4½ minutes in Texas to 3½ minutes in Maine, so Texas is likely going to be the preferred destination. The closer you are to the central line of totality, the longer—and more enjoyable—your experience will be.

While camping isn’t necessary, I’ve looked at a few maps for camping areas directly within the path of totality, and there are a few.

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The only special equipment you’ll need is eye protection. Shortly before the 2017 eclipse, special “glasses” like these were very hard to find … and going for astronomical prices.

The glasses are only needed when viewing the sun while it’s slowly being covered by the moon, not when it’s fully covered. During totality, no eye protection is needed … and that’s when the visual splendor begins.

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Another option is special film to cover optical instrument lenses, or even to make your own more comfortable solar goggles.

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Zoomable Map Showing Path

So, just posting this to encourage some early commentary and planning, perhaps an OAUSA “expedition” that could include a great eclipse viewing location and other beautiful places in Texas and surrounding states.

[DaveK]

Paul

That was a lot of people!!!!!

A solar eclipse trip could make for a great expedition, or at least a stopping point on an otherwise long trip. While those Lunt glasses are most certainly the very essence of cool, I would be just the least bit skeptical trusting my eyesight to a pair of $9.50 shades.

I hear they have great wild boar hunting in Texas, and some wonderful BBQ restaurants that’ll cook up the pork. Mr. Casull, I hear you calling!!! Thanks for posting, and keep us informed.

[KK6DYO]

Rexburg didn’t provide our typical off-road secluded spot. I’m not used to being with so many “friends” while camping, but everyone was there for a shared purpose so quite friendly.

A side trip through hog country definitely crossed my mind.

[NotAMog]

Paul,

I went with friends to the Oregon Star Party which just happened to be within the path of totality. It was a pretty remote location in the Ochocha National Forest in central Oregon. Unfortunately, the traffic getting there was pretty bad as a huge new age festival was also taking place in the general area. It was a cool experience and I'd like to go back to the Oregon Star Party sometime as it's a very dark venue.

I have been thinking of going to Texas to see the 2024 eclipse. I haven't started checking into accommodations but I would assume that there are a lot of ranches in that area that would allow dry camping for a nominal (?) fee. I have relatives with a hunting ranch near Comstock but unfortunately it's just outside of the path of totality. I might be able to arrange for some hunting if they still have it by that time.

BTW - The inexpensive solar observing glasses work very well and are safe but you need to order them from a reputable source. I bought a box of them to hand out to all of the relatives up in Oregon so they could safely view the eclipse.

Bruce

[DaveK]

Paul,

I went with friends to the Oregon Star Party which just happened to be within the path of totality. It was a pretty remote location in the Ochocha National Forest in central Oregon. Unfortunately, the traffic getting there was pretty bad as a huge new age festival was also taking place in the general area. It was a cool experience and I'd like to go back to the Oregon Star Party sometime as it's a very dark venue.

I have been thinking of going to Texas to see the 2024 eclipse. I haven't started checking into accommodations but I would assume that there are a lot of ranches in that area that would allow dry camping for a nominal (?) fee. I have relatives with a hunting ranch near Comstock but unfortunately it's just outside of the path of totality. I might be able to arrange for some hunting if they still have it by that time.

BTW - The inexpensive solar observing glasses work very well and are safe but you need to order them from a reputable source. I bought a box of them to hand out to all of the relatives up in Oregon so they could safely view the eclipse.

Bruce

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!! Bruce, you NEVER told us that you had relatives with a hunting ranch. How about some details, like maybe a website. And, what kind of discount can your very close personal friends expect to get????? The eclipse is one thing, but the opportunity to do some Texas style hunting is another!!!!!!!!

[taugust]

Hello,

I haven't been here in a while. I now live in Austin, Texas, and saw this post. I was in Idaho for the 2017 eclipse, and have been looking forward to this next one. If you need any boots on the ground, local info, let me know.

I will say that Texas is quite different from the western states. On the order of 95% of the land is privately owned, so there aren't alot of public places to camp or drive off-pavement. Aside from the many state parks, which are often crowded and booked months in advance, everything is private campgrounds. Some are developed, others allow primitive camping. Many do not take reservations. Nearly all charge per person, per night, not per vehicle, so it can get expensive quickly.

My go-to campground does not take reservations, but is right in the middle of the path, so I am not sure what I will do as of yet.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[KK6DYO]

Tim,

Thank you for your offer to help.

As you said, I reviewed the path of totality on a land ownership map, and did notice that much of it was private land, especially close to the border where totality would be longer.

I contacted a hunting ranch (Anacacho Hunting) a few weeks ago, but they weren’t interested in providing a camping spot.

Garner State Park looked interesting, offering reservations six months in advance.

For the period of time surrounding the eclipse, I’ll accept the expense (to a limit) as I feel the experience is sufficiently spectacular to warrant a premium.

Paul