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Lampasas Solar Eclipse 2024

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1. What’s happening on April 8th 2024?

On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse, and Lampasas, TX, is in the direct path of totality. In a solar eclipse, the moon gets between the Sun and Earth. In a total solar eclipse, people in the path of totality see the Sun’s bright disk totally covered by the moon for a short time. Totality begins at approximately 1:35 p.m. and lasts about 4 minutes 23.5 seconds.

2. What is the duration of totality?

• Duration of Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024: 2 hours, 40 minutes, 22 seconds
• Duration of totality: 4 minutes, 26 seconds
• Partial begins: 12:18:03 p.m. (CDT)
• Full begins: 1:35:23 p.m.
• Maximum: 1:37:36 p.m.
• Full ends: 1:39:49 p.m.
• Partial ends: 2:58:25 p.m.

3. Wait, there are two eclipses?

Yes, not only will Lampasas be in the path of totality for the 2024 total eclipse, the town will experience an annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

4. How do I safely look at an eclipse?

Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase of a solar eclipse (“totality”) when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s bright face, which will happen only within the narrow path of totality.

 The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are unsafe for looking at the sun; they transmit thousands of times too much sunlight. Refer to the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers page for a list of manufacturers and authorized dealers of eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers verified to be compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for such products.

 Do not buy solar eclipse glasses from Amazon or third party

• Buy from a reputable source 
• Glasses available from:
  • Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce
  • Lampasas Library
  • Hodges & Sargent
  • My Girls
  • Moonies Hemporium

5. What disruptions can people expect on the day of the total solar eclipse?

• Internet-network congestion due to the influx of people in the area using the internet at the same time
• Cellular-network congestion due to the influx of people in the area using the network at the same time
• Traffic congestion
• Schools will be closed, please prepare for childcare if needed
• Possible food and bottled water shortages
• Gas shortages
• Pharmacies may be closed
• Businesses and Banks may be closed

6. How many visitors are expected to come to Lampasas to view the Solar Eclipse in 2024?

Predicting how many visitors will come to Lampasas to view the Eclipse is difficult. The City is basing the expected number of visitors on historical numbers from the Solar Eclipse in 2017. Cities in the path of totality in 2017 for the duration that Lampasas is in 2024 saw a mass influx of thousands of visitors to their town. As long as weather permits, Lampasas can likely predict:

• Thousands of visitors, double or triple the City’s population
• Large-scale events happening in nearby cities will draw crowds to Lampasas
• Hotels, AirBnBs and RV Parks will reach capacity
• Residents and Businesses need to be prepared

7. How is the City preparing for the Solar Eclipse 2024?

The City is undergoing internal planning and public outreach to ensure we are prepared for the Solar Eclipse 2024 event.

The County, the Sheriff’s Department, the City of Lampasas’ Police and Fire Departments, and Hamilton EMS are working concurrently to address public safety and prepare for the event by gathering information, planning, managing logistics, gathering supplies, and training.

The County and the City are doing public outreach to gather information and ensure the public is prepared for the Solar Eclipse event by hosting town halls. They are also working on determining public viewing sites and handling logistics for the week of the event, including securing port-o-potties, road closures, security, and more.

The Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce and Lampasas Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) are contacting businesses to ensure they’re prepared for the Solar Eclipse event. The Chamber and the LEDC host quarterly business roundtables and targeted industry meetings. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with the Chamber at 512-556-5172.

8. As a local business owner, should I remain open?

The decision to stay open is up to each business. Non-essential businesses may not need to be open. Will your employees be able to get to work? Walk through your daily activities and think about what may not be available on April 8 due to the influx of people. How well will your business operate if you need internet, cell phone service, or even gas?

If you choose to stay open, please ensure you are prepared. Also, this is your opportunity to think outside the box for businesses that remain open. Consider what services and/or products may not be readily available and provide them to improve your customers' experience.

9. Where can I find a list of emergency contacts?

You can download a complete list of emergency contacts here.

10. What time is the Eclipse in Lampasas?

Partial Start time is 12:18:05 (12:18PM). Starting at 13:35:25 (1:35 PM) on Monday April 8, 2024 the city of Lampasas will experience a total Solar Eclipse for 4 minutes and 24.3 seconds.

11. What kind of merchandise is available to commemorate the Solar Eclipse in Lampasas?

Merchandise can be purchased at the Lampasas Public Library

• Sheets of decals: $10.00
• Eclipse glasses: $2.00 each

12. Is the City of Lampasas organizing an event for the Solar Eclipse in 2024?

The City is hosting two Solar Eclipse Events. 

• Beyond the Horizon with NASA - Total Eclipse at the Parks
• Cosmic Camp-out at Creek's Edge - Total Eclipse at the Parks

13. What events are taking place for the 2024 solar eclipse?

• Residents and Business Owners that are hosting events for the Solar Eclipse in April 2024 are encouraged to submit an event form for emergency management purposes and to have their event posted on the Chamber of Commerce Calendar. https://www.lampasas.org/FormCenter/Contact-Us-3/Eclipse-Event-Submission-Form-93
• The Calendar will continue to populate as the event approaches. 
• To view the public Solar Eclipse Events in Lampasas, please click here:  Event Calendar | Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce (lampasaschamber.org)

14. I am planning on hosting a public event for the 2024 solar eclipse, what should I do?

Event organizers, residents, and business owners that are hosting public events for the Solar Eclipse 2024 are encouraged to submit an Eclipse Event Submission Form. 

https://www.lampasas.org/FormCenter/Contact-Us-3/Eclipse-Event-Submission-Form-93

15. I am planning on hosting a private event for the 2024 solar eclipse, what should I do?

Event organizers, residents, and business owners that are hosting private events for the Solar Eclipse 2024 are encouraged to submit an Eclipse Event Submission Form. https://www.lampasas.org/FormCenter/Contact-Us-3/Eclipse-Event-Submission-Form-93

Your private event will not be posted on public websites; however; the submittal will notify emergency personnel of the event in case of emergency.  

 

16. Do I need protective glasses for the 2024 Eclipse?

Yes, viewing a solar eclipse requires solar eclipse glasses. Without proper eye protection, viewing a solar eclipse can cause significant damage to your eyes.

17. Is camping allowed in the City of Lampasas?

Per City of Lampasas Code of Ordinances

 

CHAPTER 66 - STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES

ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL

Sec. 66-1. - Camping on public or private property.

Public Property. It shall be unlawful for any person to camp, pitch camp or otherwise stop, erect or park any vehicle, tent, trailer or structure, for the purpose of camping or residing therein, upon any street, alley, park or other public property within the corporate limits of the city. 

Private Property. It shall be unlawful for any person to camp, pitch camp or otherwise stop, erect or park any vehicle, tent, trailer or structure, for the purpose of camping or residing therein, upon any private property, without the permission of the owner. Such property, so utilized, shall be equipped with pure water, sanitary facilities and otherwise meet all regulations and requirements of the ordinances of the city in all matters regulating health and sanitation. 

18. Is swimming allowed in Sulphur Creek?

Per City of Lampasas Code of Ordinances 

CHAPTER 54-PARKS & RECREATION 

DIVISION 2. - SULPHUR CREEK

Sec. 54-141. - Bathing, swimming, fishing or wading in portion from U.S. Highway 281 bridge to water plant prohibited; exceptions.

It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to bathe, swim, fish, wade in or otherwise use or occupy that portion of Sulphur Creek or its banks and property immediately adjacent thereto extending from the U.S. Highway 281 bridge through the entire length of the golf course. 

Sec. 54-142. - Swimming or bathing in portion from Naruna Road Crossing to Chestnut Street footbridge; 

It shall be unlawful for any person to swim or bathe in that portion of Sulphur Creek extending from the Naruna Road Crossing to the Chestnut Street footbridge.  

19. What is the City of Lampasas Park Hours?

Per City of Lampasas Code of Ordinances

          Chapter 54- PARKS & RECREATION 

            Sec. 54-167. - Hours of operation/temporary closures by the city.

Unless otherwise closed, and unless such closure is noted by signs posted at the park and/or field facility, city parks are open daily to the public as follows: 

• Daily between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. 

The city expressly reserves the right to close, or otherwise limit access to, any city park, recreational facility, or other public property under the control of the city if, in the opinion of the city, conditions such as inclement weather, poor field/ground conditions, or other park, grounds, equipment or facility conditions exist that would make occupancy and/or use of the city property dangerous to the public or detrimental to the public property. 

It shall be unlawful for any person to enter into a closed city property or otherwise use a closed facility. Additionally, it shall be unlawful for any person to damage closed city property, through any use thereof, when field, grounds, equipment, or facility conditions exist such that use may result in abnormal wear and tear, in extraordinary maintenance, or necessitate unusual repairs of such properties.       

 

 

 

 

20. What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

For a total solar eclipse to take place, the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. Weather permitting, people located in the center of the moon’s shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse. The sky will become very dark for a few minutes, as if it were night. Normally, when looking at the sun, you can only see the photosphere, the bright surface.

However, extending about 5,000 km above the photosphere is the region of the solar atmosphere called the chromosphere. It is only seen during total solar eclipses, or with sophisticated telescopes, and its red and pinkish color gives the blackened moon a thin halo of color against the greyish corona. People in the path of a total solar eclipse can also see the sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is otherwise usually obscured by the bright face of the sun. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can briefly remove their eclipse glasses, during the few moments when the moon is completely blocking the sun.