Tips for Solar Rodeo weekend

The total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thousands of people are expected to come to the Mesquite area for this incredible astronomical event. You can see all the special events Mesquite has planned for April 6-8 by visiting www.TheSolarRodeo.com.

Here are some tips for how to navigate through town during the busy weekend.

Eye Safety

• During a total solar eclipse, you should use specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing.
• The only time it is safe to look at a total eclipse without eclipse gasses is during the brief period of "totality" when the sun is completely blocked by the moon.
• Do notlook at the eclipse through a camera lens, telescope or binoculars. For more eclipse eye safety tips, visit NASA Science website.

Preparation Tips

• The Texas Department of Transportation advises that due to an increase in traffic and visitors coming through Texas to view the eclipse, residents should limit travel on major roadways on April 8. For information on Texas state road conditions, visit drivetexas.org. 
• Reschedule appointments for April 8 that can be planned for another day to limit travel.
• Do not stop on road shoulders to view the eclipse. 
• Plan ahead for possible travel delays, consider carpooling and give extra time to get to your destination before and after the eclipse.  Keep an emergency kit in your car.
• Fill up on gas, food and essential items prior to the eclipse as visitors to the area will affect available inventories.
• Create a family communication plan if cell phone service is impacted due to a large number of people overloading cellular provider towers.
• If you have an emergency and need first responders but are having difficulty calling 9-1-1, try calling from a landline, using another phone with a different carrier or if you are connected to Wi-Fi, switch to Wi-Fi calling.