Expecting the eclipse

• Meridian's city officials will share information on preprarations for the solar eclipse during a townhall meeting at the Meridian Civic Center this Thursday at 6 p.m.. Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune

On Thursday, March 7, at 6 p.m., the City of Meridian will host a townhall meeting at the Meridian Civic Center regarding preparations for the upcoming solar eclipse in April.

The public is invited to attend the meeting which will include times, schedules, events, preparations, plans, and what to expect. This will be an opportunity for you to ask questions.

The City of Meridian is expecting thousands of visitors to the city and county days before and after Monday, April 8, 2024.

“The city is taking actions to prepare for this event. There are several things scheduled for the weekend up to the day of the Eclipse. We would like to make sure you have as much information as you need,” Meridian City Hall said in a press release.

Events encompassing live music, games, vendors, and food trucks will be held in Lions Park, Meridian Park, Chisholm Trail Plaza, the John A Lomax Amphitheater, the Pavilion, and Bosque Bottoms. Camping sites will also be available at designated locations.

Meridian Parks and Recreation and the Meridian Chamber of Commerce are coordinating these events. Both groups are still in need of volunteers, if you are interested in helping.

Meridian City Hall estimates that people will begin coming into town days before the event and stay several days after the events are over.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will completely darken, as if it were night.

The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the United States will be on August 23, 2044. The next time a total solar eclipse will occur in Texas is May 26, 2617.

The eclipse on April 8 will begin at 1:37 p.m., in Meridian, and last 4 minutes 5.7 seconds. It ranges 120 miles wide and will pass directly over Bosque County.