Annular eclipse dims Texas skies

Madi Telschow Managing Editor This past weekend, Dripping Springs experienced the first of two eclipses over the next nine months: an annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14 of this year and a total solar eclipse on April 8 in 2024.

Crowds gathered for the annular eclipse witnessed a “ring of fire” (through protective eyewear) and crescentshaped shadows underneath trees and bushes — both caused by the moon blocking out the majority of the sun. The eclipse, which peaked in Central Texas around 11:55 a.m., dimmed the late morning light for a matter of minutes. While both types of eclipses are momentous, total solar eclipses are rare. Total solar eclipses happen somewhere in the world every 18 months and only happen in the same place approximately every 375 years. Dripping Springs will be in the totality of the April 8 eclipse for three minutes, making this a once-in-alifetime event in the Hill Country.

As a result, the city has warned local businesses and residents to expect a significant number of visitors to the city. A community eclipse task force has been meeting monthly to prepare for the big event to ensure that all areas of the city are as prepared as possible. The eclipse task force includes representatives from the city of Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau, Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce, Dripping Springs ISD, North Hays County Fire & Rescue Department, North Hays EMS and more.

For more information on the website or eclipse planning in the city of Dripping Springs, send an email to eclipse@ cityofdrippingsprings. com or call the city at (512) 858-4725.