Does the universe and its workings fascinate you?  Do you enjoy searching the night sky for distant planets, stars, and other celestial objects?  The Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas meets monthly on the University of Texas at Dallas campus. With paid membership comes unlimited access to the club's dark sky observing site near Atoka, Oklahoma.  The group also hosts recurring "star parties" in the Dallas area. 

Observers in Dallas can witness the beginning of the eclipse starting around 11:40 a.m..  At the eclipse's maximum point, occurring around 1:10 p.m., roughly 75% of the sun will be obscured by the moon.  

Observers in the U.S. within the path of totality will witness a total eclipse.  For North Texans and others outside this path, NASA's Eclipse Live Stream provides an opportunity to share in the total eclipse experience.  The J. Erik Jonsson Central will host a free community event projecting the Live Stream.  More information about the eclipse may be found at Eclipse 101.

 

Vantage Points
Although stargazing from light-polluted city environments presents challenges, rewarding observation experiences are possible.  The book Urban Astronomy, featured below, provides guidance and a list of "top 10" deep sky objects visible from urban areas. For optimal viewing of the night sky, consider a visit to a public park that is distant from city lights. Two Texas parks designated as 

International Dark Sky Parks, Copper Breaks State Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, are within 250 miles of downtown Dallas.

 

The Bortle Scale provides a means of gauging the effects of light pollution on the viewing experience.