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Catch The Annular Eclipse At Big Thicket National Preserve

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Published Date

September 27, 2023

Big Thicket National Preserve is one of the National Park System units in the path of next month's annular solar eclipse/NPS file

Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas is one of the National Park System units in the path of the annular solar eclipse next month and park staff are offering solar-filtered telescopes and eclipse glasses for safe viewing, ranger programs, and a sneak peek at the preserve's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2024.

Event Timeline (all times central)

  • 9 a.m.: Event begins
  • 10 a.m.: Ranger program
  • 10:28 a.m.: Eclipse begins
  • 11:15 a.m.: Ranger program
  • 11:59 a.m.: Eclipse maximum
  • 12:15 p.m.: 50th anniversary logo unveiling
  • 12:30 p.m.: Ranger program
  • 1 p.m.: Event ends
  • 1:38 p.m.: Eclipse ends

Beginning at 9 a.m. at the Big Thicket Visitor Center, visitors will be able to observe the sun and learn about astronomy with kids’ activities and interactive ranger programs. Watch through telescopes or glasses as the solar eclipse begins at 10:28 a.m. and builds up to its maximum at 11:59 am.

As the eclipse winds down, hear about Big Thicket National Preserve’s upcoming 50th anniversary. “2024 will be a special year for Big Thicket,” said Superintendent Wayne Prokopetz. “We invite everyone to celebrate with us as we look back at 50 years of America’s first national preserve and look ahead to the future.”

Rangers will unveil the anniversary logo and share ways you can celebrate with us. You'll also be able to meet Big Thicket's park partners and learn about the work they do to support the preserve.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and eclipse glasses. A food truck will be on-site throughout the event. 

The annular solar eclipse —an eclipse when the moon covers the center of the sun, but not all of it— will cross North, Central, and South America. 

If you're hoping to catch the greatest effects of the eclipse in a national park or monument, you'll want to be in parts of Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, or Texas. That's where the totality of the eclipse will reach 90 percent.

Among the parks and monuments that will be in this path are:

  • Aztec Ruins National Monument
  • Bandelier National Monument
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Canyonlands National Park
  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Chaco Culture National Historic Park
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • El Malpais National Monument
  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
  • Gran Quivera National Monument
  • Great Basin National Park
  • Hovenweep National Monument
  • Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
  • Lava Beds National Monument
  • Natural Bridges National Monument
  • Rainbow Bridge National Monument
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Navajo National Monument
  • Padre Island National Seashore
  • Pecos National Historic Park
  • Petroglyph National Monument
  • Valles Calderas National Preserve
But you better hurry to make plans and find lodgings. They're going fast.

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