1. Dripping Springs looks to eclipse through large lenses

Earlier this year, Dripping Springs experienced the first of two eclipses over the next nine months: an annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14 of this year. It will be followed by a total solar eclipse in 2024 on April 8.

Crowds gathered for the annular eclipse witnessed a “ring of fire” (through protective eyewear) and crescent- shaped shadows underneath trees and bushes — both caused by the moon blocking out the majority of the sun. The ec lip se, which peaked in Central Texas around 11:55 a.m., dimmed the late morning light for a matter of minutes.

While both types of eclipses are momentous, total solar ec lips— es are rare. Total solar eclipses happen somewhere in the world every 18 months and only happen in the same place approximately every 375 years. Dripping Springs will be in the totality of the April 8 eclipse for three minutes, making this a once-in-a-lifetime event in the Hill Country.

As a result, the city has warned local businesses and residents to expect a significant number of visitors to the city. A community ec lip se task force has been meeting monthly to prepare for the big event to ensure that all areas of the city are as prepared as possible. The ec lip se task force includes representatives from the city of Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau, Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce, Dripping Springs ISD, North Hays County Fire & Rescue Department, North Hays EMS and more.

Anyone passing through town is reminded of this upcoming excitement with the city’s newest art installation at Veterans Memorial Park, commonly known as the Triangle. Here, Dripping Springs has erected a set of largerthan- life eclipse glasses to remind residents, tourists and passersby of its front row seat to the rare solar event, according to a statement from the city. The installation also provides information on how to safely view this and other solar eclipses.

For more information about the eclipse in Dripping Springs, visit drippingeclipse. com, send an email to eclipse@cityofdrippingsprings. com or call the city at (512) 858-4725.