April 8 Solar Eclipse: Top 4 Telescopes and Observatories for Totality Viewing
The upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse, set to be the astronomical highlight of the year, will be visible from various astronomical observatories across North America. While a partial eclipse can be seen from all of North America, experiencing the total solar eclipse, with its captivating darkness in the daytime, requires being within the path of totality, spanning approximately 115 miles (185 kilometers) from Mexico to Canada through 15 U.S. states.
To enhance your eclipse-watching experience, here are four notable telescopes and observatories hosting special events on the day of the celestial spectacle:
Loftis Observatory – Kerrville, Texas:
Date: April 4-8
Event: A residential experience featuring stargazing, guest speakers, movies, and food.
Totality Duration: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
Tickets: $2,500 for an all-inclusive four-night stay on campus, with varying options for lodging.
Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory – University of Texas at Austin:
Date: April 8
Event: The UTotal Solar Eclipse event with a 16-inch Meade LX200 telescope and a stargazing event on April 5.
Totality Duration: 2 minutes, 28 seconds
Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory – Tupper Lake, New York:
Event: Totality In Tupper featuring family-oriented activities, an 18-foot megascreen, music, food, and entertainment.
Totality Duration: 3 minutes, 33 seconds
Mont-Mégantic Observatory – Quebec’s Mont-Mégantic National Park:
Date: April 8
Event: Observation event at the largest professional observatory in the path of totality, with solar telescopes available at the nearby ASTROLab museum.
Totality Duration: 3 minutes, 28 seconds
Attendance: Expecting 2,500 people, with tickets including bus transportation to the site.