City of Dallas gears up for total eclipse

DALLAS – On April 8, 2024, Dallas will be in the path of Totality for the Great American North Eclipse.

The eclipse will cover Dallas shortly after noon. A partial eclipse is expected to occur at 12:23 p.m. Totality, which occurs when the sun is fully covered by the moon, will be between 1:40 to 1:44 p.m. It is expected to hit its maximum at 1:42 p.m., with the partial eclipse ending at 3:02 p.m.

According to NASA, it is not safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse. Additionally, viewing the eclipse with a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special purpose solar filter over the front will instantly cause severe eye injury. For eclipse viewing safety tips, link here

For more information about the eclipse, link here.

City of Dallas Preparedness

The city of Dallas Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is coordinating efforts between city, county, regional and state partners to ensure coordination ahead of the eclipse to avoid impacts to residents and emergency services.
OEM is coordinating information across agencies, informing the public, and identifying resources gaps.
The City is preparing for the safety and security of the city coordinating traffic management with transportation and public safety partners.
To ensure day-of coordination, the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated on April 8th with in-person representation from relevant departments and partners.
Public messaging will continue to focus on eclipse safety, traffic safety, and encouraging residents to consider using public transportation on April 8th.
A virtual Joint Information Center (JIC) has been activated to coordinate all public information and communications. Key departments and partners will have a representative involved with the JIC.
April is the height of severe weather season. OEM will be monitoring the weather and will be prepared to initiate any severe weather response, including the use of the Outdoor Warning System (OWS) and the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).

General Safety Tips

Do not look directly at the eclipse as it could cause severe eye damage.
Wear eclipse glasses when looking at the eclipse, even during the partial coverage.
Avoid driving during the total eclipse, if possible.
Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.
If you must drive during, do not impede traffic at the time of the total eclipse to not impact emergency services.
Do not stop in the middle of a busy road or highway during the eclipse.
You can view the eclipse from anywhere.
Be sure to take along any necessary prescribed medications in case traffic keeps you away from home for a prolonged period of time.
Plan for disruptions in cellular service due to crowd volumes.
Make a post eclipse viewing plan that allows you to stay at your viewing location for a period of time to avoid the rush to leave.

Tips from City of Dallas Department of Transportation

Plan your route to your viewing location.
Expect traffic delays near large viewing events.
Identify public parking locations prior to leaving for the view site.
Do not stop in a lane of traffic to ask for directions.
Consider using public transportation or carpooling.
Be sure to pack water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Make sure you have a full tank of gas prior to leaving for your viewing location.
When driving, be prepared to stop.
When walking, be mindful of traffic.
Do not stop in the road or along the shoulder to view the eclipse.

Tips from Texas Department of Transportation
Whether you’re planning to travel to the path of totality or view the eclipse from the comfort of home, you can help your fellow Texans out by planning ahead. Read the latest travel and safety tips. https://ow.ly/2l0I50QL78n

Dallas Department of Aviation

Dallas Love Field (DAL) is preparing for the highly anticipated Total Eclipse event on April 8, 2024, expecting a significant increase in travelers due to this celestial event of the year. With projections indicating a 30% increase in roadway and passenger foot traffic between Sunday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 9 the airport is gearing up to accommodate the influx of visitors. As excitement mounts, DAL stands ready to implement measures to guarantee a smooth experience for travelers during this extraordinary event.
In anticipation of the heightened activity, DAL will deploy high-volume traffic procedures similar to those for major holidays or significant events. Preparations include additional staffing, enhanced monitoring of facilities, parking and roadway traffic, security patrols, and increased supply stocking.
As with any busy period, the airport strongly advises early arrivals, suggesting passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to accommodate potential congestion in parking, roadside traffic, check-in, and security screening. The FAA advises travelers flying along the path of the eclipse to be prepared for limited parking and potential delays because of the large number of aircraft and drones trying to view the event. The airport suggests checking the status of your flight and other important travel tips before heading to the airport on the FAA travel web page or directly with your airline.

Frontiers of Flight Museum: Total Solar Eclipse Event

The Frontiers of Flight Museum, neighboring Dallas Love Field (DAL), will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Event on April 8, 2024, collaborating with esteemed partners DAL, Celestron, Astronomy Magazine, and the Weather Channel. This event will provide an awe-inspiring experience to the general public, fostering a connection with the extraordinary celestial phenomenon of a solar eclipse.

WHEN: Monday, April 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (totality begins around 1:41 p.m.)

WHERE: Frontiers of Flight Museum; 6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75209

WHY: Proximity to Dallas Love Field (DAL) provides unobstructed views of the sky

COST: Free for registered attendees. (NOTE: EVENT IS SOLD OUT)

WHAT: View the Total Solar Eclipse safely / Outdoor activities / Expert presentations / Exhibitors / Museum access / Live Streaming of the Eclipse

EVENT WEBSITE: www.flightmuseum.com

AMPLIFIED SOUND IMPACTS: This event includes outdoor amplified sound. Outdoor amplified sound is approved until 4:00 p.m. Call 911 with any complaint. There is a DPD officer on site that will be contacted to reduce the sound volume and/or turn it down.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS: This event includes the following parking restrictions. Limited parking is provided on site. Additional parking is available at offsite locations.

Dallas Animal Services

Keep an eye on your pets. Microchips serve as pet registration in the City of Dallas. Appointments for microchips can be made online at BeDallas90.org. Pet owners should also equip their pets with a properly-fitted collar, with rabies and ID tags attached.

Updates on behalf of Dallas Independent School District

All schools are open Monday, April 8.
Dallas ISD is committed to ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all students.
Transportation and bus delays are anticipated. Parents are encouraged to utilize the district’s transportation app, Edulog Parent Portal, for real-time updates.
All Dallas ISD students will have safety glasses courtesy of the Perot Museum.
Parents and guardians should talk to their students about the importance of wearing safety glasses.
More resources including safety information, videos, lessons, and activities in English and Spanish, can be found on the district’s solar eclipse website at dallasisd.org/solareclipse.

Service Modification from Dallas Department of Sanitation

The Department of Sanitation Services (SAN) is suspending garbage, recycle, and brush/bulky waste collections for the entire day on April 8th due to law enforcement’s expectation of severe traffic impacts to freeways and other major arterials which are essential for transporting solid waste to disposal sites.
All garbage and recycle collections the week of April 8 will be delayed by one day.
McCommas Bluff Landfill and Bachman Transfer Station will remain open on April 8th for commercial and residential customers.

Dallas Park and Recreation Department

To mark the occasion, the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Office of Arts and Culture and Leave No Trace, is hosting Totality Dallas – A Solar Eclipse Festival from April 6 to 8 with three days of recreational and educational activities at Samuel Farm in Mesquite leading up to the eclipse on April 8. Totality Dallas is giving away free solar glasses at City of Dallas recreation centers. Glasses are limited to four per family.

Samuell Farm sits closer to the eclipse’s center, so viewers will be able to see the totality several more seconds than those viewers in other areas of North Texas and the state. Samuell Farm is located at 100 U.S. Highway 80, Mesquite, TX 75149.

Totality Dallas – A Solar Eclipse Festival will give spectators family-friendly eclipse-related educational and recreational activities, including expert science presentations, food vendors, entertainment, Attendees can also go mountain biking, kayaking, geocaching, archery, and fishing led by the park department’s Outdoor Adventures team. To view the full schedule, link here.

There will be overnight camping at Samuell Farm with options for primitive, car and trailer camping. Those wanting to enjoy day-long activities can purchase Totality Dallas day passes. For more information and to purchase campsites or day passes, link here.

Check the Dallas Park & Recreation calendar for more events Calendar • Dallas Parks, TX • CivicEngage.

EXPERIENCE THE COSMOS AT THE SUN, MOON, AND YOU SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING AT COTTON BOWL STADIUM ON APRIL 8

THE FREE EVENT WILL FEATURE MULTIPLE SPEAKERS, INCLUDING NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

The “Sun, Moon, and You Total Solar Eclipse Viewing” is coming to Cotton Bowl® Stadium at Fair Park on Monday, April 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CST. This one-of-a-kind free, public event will provide opportunities to learn about solar eclipses, the Sun, and solar-monitoring efforts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), among others.

Join us for a day filled with learning and excitement as some of the world’s leading solar and space experts, including Neil deGrasse Tyson, share their knowledge and insights. Scientists from NOAA, NASA, NSF, and the state of Texas will also be in attendance, offering an opportunity to learn about our universe from the experts themselves.

The event will also feature live programming from the PBS kids’ show Ready, Jet, Go!, amateur astronomers from Texas will host telescope viewings during the event, and there will be local STEM organizations and schools that will have tables set up in the stadium’s concourse.

Free registration is open at www.fairparktix.com. All guests must register prior to attending the event.

Solar Eclipse at The Trinity

Event host DJ Space Boi will set the stage for a memorable experience, accompanied by the lively beats of DJ K Sprinkles. Renowned STEAM educator Jennifer Stimpson and a team of astronomy experts will guide attendees, including 1,000 elementary school students from Dallas ISD embarking on a special field trip to this event, through the celestial marvel while emphasizing a STEAM education perspective.

This community event is free of charge, and the first 3,000 attendees will receive complimentary solar eclipse glasses to witness the cosmic wonder safely.

Attendees can anticipate an exciting assortment of attractions, including dynamic live performances, engaging hands-on STEAM activities, solar eclipse-themed games featuring enticing prizes and interactive educational booths offering enriching experiences.

To learn more about the Trinity Park Conservancy visit: www.trinityparkconservancy.org.

To learn more about Harold Simmons Park visit: www.haroldsimmonspark.com.

Experience the Eclipse with Dallas Public Library

Need a place to view the solar eclipse? Don’t have any glasses? Never fear… the library is here!
Go to one of the viewing parties below and learn more about the solar eclipse, then look up and watch as science happens before your (protected) eyes! All locations will have a limited supply of viewing glasses to hand out for safe viewing, one pair per person while supplies last. Each location will also have special eclipse-related activities for all ages. More info: Experience the Solar Eclipse with Us! | Dallas Public Library (librarymarket.com)

Dallas Public Library Events Calendar: Month Calendar | Dallas Public Library (librarymarket.com).

Dallas Office of Arts and Culture

Total Eclipse of the Arts: Presented by AT&T Performing Arts Center
https://www.attpac.org/
2403 Flora St.
Dallas, TX, 75201

Come and watch the TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE from the coolest spot in Dallas! Experience a once-in-a-generation event surrounded by music, art, and hundreds of other pilgrims looking up at the total eclipse over the arts district. You’ll be greeted by the award- winning and locally renowned Reveler’s Hall Band marching down Sammons Park starting at 11:45am. Then, don’t miss local rising star Corina Grove and her band when they take the stage in front of the donor pool at 1p. As the eclipse reaches it’s totality, you’ll be able to look up at the sky with your Eclipse glasses, courtesy of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. But don’t worry if supplies run out! You’ll still be able to experience the magic by looking down at the pool, and around at the leaves on the trees surrounding you in Sammons Park. If you have time to stick around on a lovely April day, be sure to stop by the Flora Cantina, where DJ Jet Jaguar will be spinning tunes as you grab some of the tastiest and most affordable drinks and bites in the Arts District. This is an event you don’t want to miss out on. Remember, it won’t happen here again until Feb. 25, 2317! www.dallasartsdistrict.org/events/free-total-eclipse-of-the-arts.

Dallas Office of Arts and Culture calendar: https://attpac.org/events/events-calendar.

Department of Convention and Event Services

Thousands of people are expected to visit Dallas from April 5 through April 9. Hotels in the Central Business District for that time period are at a premium and may be limited.
It is estimated that Dallas will experience a 35% increase in visitors over the weekend and the day of the eclipse.
While many individual viewing events require a special event permit, and event organizers have obtained the proper permits from Convention and Event Services’ Office of Special Events (CES-OSE), some smaller events do not require a permit.
There are expected to be many events throughout the city during this time, in an effort to keep streets open post-eclipse, CES-OSE worked with event organizers to limit street closures for permitted events.
For more information on permitted special events visit: www.dallasspecialevents.com and click on the calendar tab.

So many great events!

Council District 4 Solar-Bration at Kiest Park

A solar eclipse watch party beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m. at Kiest Park featuring food trucks, music, and more. Bring your chairs and eclipse viewing glasses and join the fun. Eclipse viewing glasses are available at the Kiest Park Recreation Center while supplies last.

Please refer to the City of Dallas Calendar for updates on City events: www.dallascityhall.com/calendar.

For more information about other eclipse viewing events in Dallas: link here.