Central Texas College hosting “Eclipse Over Central Texas” events April 5-8
KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - Central Texas College is hosting an “Eclipse Over Central Texas” weekend of celestial events and programs ahead of April 8, the day The Great American Eclipse turns day into night across Texas and the heartland.
College officials said their campus’ prime location in the heart of the total eclipse is expected to draw visitors from across the nation.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for Central Texas, with expectations of doubling our population for the weekend,” said Kathryn Winston, director of program and outreach for CTC’s Mayborn Science Theater. “We are excited to welcome visitors to our prime viewing location.”
The CTC campus will enjoy one of the longest durations of total eclipse in the state, going dark at 1:36 p.m. April 8 and experiencing pitch-black conditions for 4 minutes and 16 seconds.
The last time that a total solar eclipse is known to have swept the area was July 20, 1506, CTC resident astronomer Warren Hart said.
“I have never gotten to experience the actual viewing of a total solar eclipse,” Hart added. “This will be very special for me.”
Dome programs in the onsite planetarium will be 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on April 8, with a break from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to mark the historic eclipse.
Weekend programming will include dome shows and speakers from 4-8 p.m. on April 5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 6; and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. April 7.
A special “Dinner Under the Stars’' will be 5:30-8 p.m. April 6. The event will feature a social hour, gourmet dinner, solar eclipse theater show and stargazing with Hart.
“Hopefully, this will get younger adults and children interested in learning what is in the night sky,” Hart said. “This is the opportunity to experience the ultimate astronomical event in their lifetimes.”
Tickets for all events can be purchased at the Mayborn Science Theater or by calling 254-526-1662. For more information, go to ctcd.edu/solar-eclipse.
The Mayborn Science Theater is located on the Campus of Central Texas College, Building No. 267, at Bell Tower Drive, off 6200 W Central Texas Expressway in Killeen.
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