Total Solar Eclipse Viewing at Lake Whitney Ranch

Lake Whitney Ranch Camp & Retreat Center (LWR) in Clifton, Texas, is the perfect spot to view the total solar eclipse as it passes over Texas on Monday, April 8, 2024.

“A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk,” according to NASA.gov. Specialized eye protection is necessary for solar viewing.

Researchers and students from the University of Alabama in Huntsville Space Hardware Club will be at the ranch to launch balloons during the solar eclipse for scientific research. Their team designs, builds, and flies weather balloon payloads that collect different data at high altitudes. They are one of many teams nationwide participating in the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP), sponsored by NASA and various Space Grant Consortiums across the US. The club generously offered to donate solar viewing glasses to the first 200 registered at LakeWhitneyRanch.org to view this historical event. The next total solar eclipse happens on Aug. 23, 2044.

“What a privilege for Lake Whitney Ranch to be a prime spot to view the total solar eclipse,” Hector Perez said. “We have plenty of space for tent camping and four bath and shower houses on the ranch for those wanting to come the day before.”

They also have 50 RV sites and will offer day passes for only two dollars. A commemorative Lake Whitney Ranch Total Solar Eclipse T-shirt is available but must be pre-ordered by March 25, 2024.

“We know Lake Whitney Ranch is special, but it’s events like these that help others know how special it is,” said Elton DeMoraes, president of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, whose association owns the property. “We are excited to host a solar viewing event to join other locations in documenting this historic day.

Lake Whitney Ranch Camp & Retreat Center is located 813 FM 2841 in Clifton, TX 76634. You must be registered to join the total solar viewing at the ranch. Find registration information at LakeWhitneyRanch.org.

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By Tamara Michalenko Terry, associate director for Communication & Public Relations for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.