The April total solar eclipse will provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Texans. As the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, the sky will darken because of the moon’s shadow on Earth.
Throughout the state, Texans will see a partial solar eclipse, but Austinites will experience “totality" when the moon completely blocks the sun from view.
Only during the few minutes of totality is it safe to look at the sun without solar glasses. As cool as totality is, you should put your glasses back on to continue viewing the eclipse once totality ends.
Here is where you can pick up your eclipse glasses for free or purchase a pair before April 8.
Austin libraries
All Austin Public Library branches, including the Central Library, will have a limited number of free eclipse glasses available beginning April 4.
Locations will not be getting any more, however. A limited number of glasses will also be provided at eclipse-themed parties held at certain Austin libraries. The events will have food, activities and a pop-up exhibit from NASA.
“Total Solar Eclipse” parties are scheduled for the North Village, Menchaca, Twin Oaks, Central, Hampton, Windsor, Old Quarry, Willie Mae and Pleasant Hill libraries. Times vary based on location.
The University of Texas
UT Austin is hosting a campus-wide viewing experience,Total Eclipse of the Horns, open only to students, staff and faculty from noon to 3 p.m. Free viewing glasses and information about the eclipse will be available to attendees.
More details are available on UT’s eclipse information hub.
The City of Austin
City facilities will have a limited number of free eclipse glasses available for the public beginning April 4.
The Parks and Recreation Department is also distributing free glasses, while supplies last, at the following locations:
- Recreation centers
- Senior centers
- Austin Nature and Science Center
CapMetro
Eclipse glasses will be provided to those who attend the CapMetro Leander Park & Ride celebration on April 8 from 11:30 a.m. — 2 pm.
Purchase glasses
You can buy glasses from the Great American Eclipse website and Eclipse2024. H-E-B and hardware stores, such as Lowes and Home Depot, are also selling eclipse glasses.
Visit Austin has glasses for sale here. They are also available to buy at the Austin Visitor Center for $1.99 each. Buy six and get one pair free.
Other stores like Hill Country Alliance and Whole Earth Provision Co. are selling glasses while supplies last.
Make sure the glasses are safe
If you are buying solar glasses, make sure they have the International Organization for Standardization, or “ISO,” icon and ISO reference number 12312-2. Also, make sure organizations like NASA and American Astronomical Society have verified the glasses as safe for use.
