A Total Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse 2024

Experience the Historic Total Solar Eclipse

This is your chance to experience history!

Experience the Historic Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path across the United States, and Commerce, Texas, is in the path of totality! For approximately four minutes, Commerce will experience a 360-degree sunset dark enough to see planets, bright stars and the Sun's corona!

This is your chance to experience history! The last total solar eclipse visible from Commerce happened on April 28, 1557, and won't be visible again in our area until July 9, 2317!

There also won’t be another total solar eclipse viewable from the contiguous United States until 2044.

“Totality over Commerce” eclipse watch party

Everyone is invited to an eclipse viewing party on April 8, 2024.

Noon–4 p.m. (public welcome from noon–2 p.m., East Texas A&M student after party from 2–4 p.m.)

Memorial Stadium (1606 Hwy 24, Commerce, TX 75428)

  • Free eclipse glasses available while supplies last.
  • Stadium concessions available (card only).
  • All children 16 & under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Prohibited items:
    • Bags, purses or backpacks of any kind.
    • Umbrellas.
    • Outside food or drink.
    • Animals, with the exception of Service Animals when accompanied by their handler.

Entry/Parking

Parking for the general public will be available in Lots 33 and 34 on the west side of Highway 24 near Smith and Berry halls. Signage will be in place to help direct guests to these lots.

Shuttle services will be available from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to take people to and from the lots and the stadium. Public guests will enter from the west (home) side of the stadium while East Texas A&M students, faculty and staff will enter on the east (visitor) side. All students, faculty & staff will need to present a valid Lion Card in order to enter on the east side.

ADA-accessible parking will be available in front of the west entrance for authorized vehicles. Additional ADA-accessible parking will be available in Lots 1, 3 and 4. All other traffic on the service road in front of the stadium will be prohibited on the day of the event.

East Texas A&M Community After PArty

East Texas A&M students are invited to an afterparty in Lot 2 outside of the east gate following the total eclipse from 2-4 p.m. There will be a silent headphone disco and food trucks available. Food vouchers will be available on a first come first serve basis to students for one free food truck item.

What is an Eclipse?

Eclipse

Eclipse is the term astronomers use to describe when the light from one heavenly body is blocked by another object. There are different types of eclipses, but most people will only ever see a lunar eclipse or a solar eclipse.

Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow. Earth blocks most sunlight from reaching the Moon, and from Earth, we see part or all of the Moon darken for the few hours it takes the Moon to pass through Earth's shadow. Lunar eclipses are visible to all people on the night side of Earth, making lunar eclipses the most common eclipse you can see.

Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth. From Earth, we can see part or all of the Sun seemingly disappear in midday! Unlike a lunar eclipse, solar eclipses are only visible from a small part of Earth because the Moon's shadow is quite small.

Resources

Ask an Astronomer

Have an astronomer meet with your class, ask a question about the eclipse or schedule a visit to the planetarium!

Email [email protected]

Types of Solar Eclipses

Partial Solar Eclipse

A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon only covers part of the Sun; this is the most common type of solar eclipse. Because it is harmful to look directly at even the tiniest sliver of the Sun without special protective eclipse glasses, and because the Sun is so bright, most people would not notice a partial solar eclipse unless they are told about it in advance.

Annular Solar Eclipse

An annular solar eclipse is the second type of solar eclipse. An annular eclipse happens when the Moon is near its furthest point from Earth. The Moon will line up exactly with the Sun, but because the Moon appears smaller than the Sun at this distance, we will see a ring of sunlight around the black shadow of the Moon!

Total Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse is far and away the most amazing kind of eclipse. During a total solar eclipse, the entire bright part of the Sun is hidden by the Moon. For observers on Earth, the sky gets dark and the stars appear. We also get a very rare treat; during totality we can see the Sun's faint, ghostly outer atmosphere called the corona; a wispy crown surrounding the black shadow of the Moon. For the few minutes that the Sun is completely covered by the Moon, it is safe to look at the Sun without protective glasses.

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011

For a recorded message providing show information and times, call 903.468.8652.

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