5. Kerrville, Texas
While San Antonio certainly will be the base of operations for many eclipse chasers, most will not stay there, opting instead to head to the center line for an additional minute of umbral darkness. Several small towns lie centered in the path, the largest of which is Kerrville, with roughly 24,000 residents. Be sure to check in advance for any eclipse-related activities.
Eclipse starts: 12:14:43 p.m. CDT
Eclipse end: 2:55:29 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:34:17 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 67.5°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 25 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 120.2 miles (193.4 km)
6. Lampasas, Texas
Many travelers will choose to base in Austin, the state capital of Texas. It’s a good choice because that city features lots of amenities, especially in the food and music realms. Unfortunately, it lies near the southern limit of the path of totality. So, a good choice on eclipse day would be to drive the 68 miles (109 km) north to Lampasas, which lies quite near the center line.
Eclipse starts: 12:18:03 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 2:58:23 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:37:35 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 66.5°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 24 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 119.7 miles (192.6 km)
7. Hillsboro, Texas
Although not a huge city, Hillsboro is an easy destination, lying, as it does, on Interstate 35 where I-35E and I-35W split south of Dallas. It also lies right along the center line of totality, which will help maximize your time under the Moon’s umbra.
Eclipse starts: 12:21:23 a.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 3:01:16 a.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 2:40:53 a.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 65.5°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 23 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 119.2 miles (191.8 km)
8. Sulphur Springs, Texas
Another great location in the Lone Star State is Sulphur Springs. It lies along Interstate 30, so getting there won’t be a problem. Although the city isn’t huge (less than 20,000 residents), there are many open areas. One is Coleman Lake and Park, which offers 186 acres with trails and waterfalls. Cooper Lake State Park lies 15 miles (24 km) north. It has more than 2,500 acres of land and nearly 20,000 acres of lake. Observing from a boat would certainly be relaxing. And you’ll only lose 2 seconds of totality compared to Sulphur Springs.
Eclipse starts: 12:25:38 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 3:04:52 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:45:04 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 64°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 21 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 118.4 miles (190.6 km)
9. Russellville, Arkansas
With a population near 30,000, Russellville has enough resources to host a moderate influx of visitors for the eclipse. Those eclipse chasers who prefer to observe the event outside the city could head for nearby Mount Nebo, a flat-topped mountain that rises 1,350 feet (410 meters) above the surrounding valley.
Eclipse starts: 12:33:08 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 3:10:46 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:52:10 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 49.0°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 11 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 117.2 miles (188.6 km)
10. Cape Girardeau, Missouri
The largest city in southeastern Missouri that will experience totality is Cape Girardeau, with its 80,000 residents. It lies on the bank of the Mississippi River and is easily accessible from Interstate 55. For an additional 4 seconds of totality, eclipseophiles can head 10 miles (16 km) west on State Route 72 to Jackson.
Eclipse starts: 12:41:51 p.m. CDT
Eclipse ends: 3:17:26 p.m. CDT
Maximum eclipse: 2:00:21 p.m. CDT
Sun’s altitude at maximum eclipse: 57.3°
Duration of totality: 4 minutes 6 seconds
Width of Moon’s shadow: 115.5 miles (185.9 km)
0 Comments