FAQ

1. What time is the eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Dalworthington Gardens?
A. The sun will begin to be covered by the moon's shadow at 12:22 pm. The moon's shadow will continue to creep across the face of the sun until it is totally obscured, about 17 seconds past 1:40 pm. This totality phase will last until about 36 seconds past 1:43 pm. The moon's shadow will then begin to retreat from the face of the sun until it fully exits at 3:02 pm.

Google eclipse maps is an interactive tool to find information such as maximum coverage of the sun and timing where the moon's shadow can be seen to cover at least a portion of the sun.

2. Who is hosting this event?
A. This event is being hosted by the City of Dalworthington Gardens, TX. We can't wait for you to come witness the solar eclipse with us!

To allow city staff to witness this rare event, the water and court windows will be closed from 1 - 2 pm on April 8, 2024.

3. Where is DWG's event taking place? 
A. We will be located at Gardens Park, 2600 Roosevelt Dr, Dalworthington Gardens, TX 76016. Click the link above to make sure you arrive at the correct location. See the Parking tab for more information about parking.

4. What are the hours for this event?
A. A presentation with background and safety tips for the total eclipse will begin at 11:00 am in the council chambers at City Hall. For exact times for the solar eclipse in DWG, see the answer to #1 above.

5. Will food and drinks be available? 
A. Yes, food will be available for purchase from several food trucks on site throughout the day. However, you are more than welcome to bring your own eclipse viewing munchies to snack on. Alcohol is strictly prohibited and will not be permitted on the property. We also will not allow any open fires. 

6. How do I purchase merchandise?
A. Please purchase your merchandise by clicking on the Merchandise tab button at the top of the page and follow instructions.

7. Will solar eclipse glasses be available?
A. Yes, 500 special viewing glasses, to ensure your safety while observing the eclipse, will be available while supplies last. You may purchase your own solar eclipse glasses prior to the event. Make sure that any glasses you purchase are labeled ISO 12312-2 (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015) from a source approved by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

8. Why travel to witness the total solar eclipse?
A. Have you ever watched the entire sky go completely dark in the middle of the day? Are you able to tell your friends, "I have stood in the shadow of the moon?" If not, then this is why you MUST experience this total solar eclipse right here with us in Dalworthington Gardens, Texas. It is truly one of natures most stunning spectacles.

9. Why choose Dalworthington Gardens, Texas?
A. Dalworthington Gardens is in the path of totality, meaning you'll be able to watch the moon slowly slide in front of the sun and eventually hide the sun all together.  For just over 3 minutes the view will be absolutely breathtaking!  In addition, Dalworthington Gardens is a hidden oasis nestled away from the hustle and bustle of other major North Texas cities. 

10. Will pets be allowed?
A. Yes

11. What if it is cloudy or raining? 
A. Hopefully it will be sunny and warm and the skies the clearest blue possible, but unfortunately, we cannot control the weather. No refunds for merchandise will be made due to cancellations of any kind related to weather conditions. As long as it is not raining, at least subtle effects of the eclipse will be noticeable and we will be here to watch.

12. When will merchandise sales end? 
A. Merchandise will be available for purchase as soon as it gets listed on the Merchandise tab and continue until it is sold out. 

13. Where can I find more eclipse resources?
A. Suggestions include:
i.Great American Eclipse
ii. National Eclipse
iii. Fort Worth Astronomical Society

14. What is the big deal?
A. On August 21, 2017, America was treated to its first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in nearly 100 years. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will occur on April 8, 2024, traveling through the country from Texas to Maine. In some ways, the 2024 eclipse promises to be even more spectacular than in 2017, crossing over or coming close to more major cities and with a maximum duration of totality that’s almost two minutes longer!

15. Are solar eclipses dangerous?
A. YES –  PROTECTIVE glasses MUST be worn since looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage.  ISO & CE CERTIFIED ECLIPSE GLASSES must be worn. See the answer to #7 above for a link to AAS approved sources for protective glasses.

16. What Should I Bring?
A. Suggestions include:
i. Eclipse Viewing Glasses
ii. Sunscreen
iii. First Aid Kit
iiii. Necessary medications for you and your pets
iv. Cash or other payment methods
v. Water (plenty of it)
vi. Sunglasses
vii. Hat/visor
viii. Comfortable walking shoes
ix. Folding chair or blanket
x. Jacket or sweatshirt as needed for the weather forecast. April 8 can be chilly or hot.
xi. Maps of the area if you need directions (print your directions and bring them with you); your cellular service may be limited during heaviest impact times

Tips for Residents

The population of the metroplex will likely swell considerably for a couple of days prior to the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. Plan for heavy traffic and long lines for local services such as restaurants, gas stations, grocery and retail stores. Do what you can ahead of time before the anticipated impact days and allow for extra time to get where you need to go.

Things to consider doing in advance to make life a little easier during the heaviest congestion periods:
....Avoid scheduling your errands and appointments the day of and weekend prior to the eclipse if possible.
....Check ahead if you have plans for Monday the 8th; some services may be closed or have limited hours during this time. (DWG City Hall front windows will be closed from 1-2pm.) By scheduling your errands early, you will beat the crowds and give our local stores and businesses time to restock before the eclipse visitors arrive.

Overall, supplies may be limited due to high demand; which may mean the items you want are not available during the impact days. If there is something important you want, get it early.
....Gas: If you normally fill up your gas tank Friday through Monday, be sure to do that task early, before Thursday, April 4th.
....Cash: If you regularly use cash or want some on hand, consider visiting your bank or ATM before Thursday, April 4th.

With the increased number of visitors, local public safety officials anticipate cellular service may become overwhelmed (primarily Monday the 8th) or have limited access during the impact days. Consider these ideas to assist with communications during this time:
....Develop a communication plan with family and friends if you lose or have limited cell service.
....If you only have a mobile phone at home, find out which of your neighbors have a landline number in case you need to call 911 for an emergency.

Consider postponing watering your lawn or using “extra” water during the anticipated impact days to take a little pressure off of public water systems during that time.

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