A dramatic view from space of the path of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse which includes passing directly over Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
A total eclipse offers a rare opportunity to see the sun's corona.
Photo courtesy of American Astronomical Society / Rick Fienberg
It's Coming!
We are preparing for an amazing event in April—a total solar eclipse!
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is a lineup of the sun, the moon, and Earth. The moon will be directly between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. Totality (total eclipse) occurs when the moon covers the entirety of the sun except for the corona, or sun’s atmosphere. The longest total eclipse time occurs at the center line, where you experience the moon’s shadow’s full width. Outside the cone or umbra, viewers will experience a partial eclipse.
When?
Visitors to the park on April 8, 2024 will witness a partial eclipse beginning at approximately 12:15 pm CST. The total eclipse will begin at 1:33 pm CST and will last approximately 4 minutes, 14 seconds!
What if I Miss It?
Have your heart set on seeing a total eclipse from the LBJ Ranch? Come join us for the next one on February 25, 2343!
What to Expect
Spring is a popular time to visit the Texas Hill Country in any year. The weather is warm but, with any luck, the summer heatwave has not started. If there has been rain, the grass is green and the wildflowers are blooming. You'll also be one of many visitors enjoying Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
Now throw in the added thrill of viewing a total solar eclipse on April 8.
Of all the eclipse viewing locations across the country, Texas has the best chance of good weather and clear skies on April 8. Some predictions put visitation to the Texas Hill Country at nearly 500,000. We expect to be very busy the weekend leading up to the eclipse.
Plan ahead for a long day
We expect heavy traffic and long waits on local roadways on April 8. Please be patient and courteous while driving.
Carpooling is highly encouraged! Try to have plenty of gas or charge for your vehicle.
Cell service may be limited. Charge your phone and write down key phone numbers just in case.
Go all the way to totality at LBJ on April 8, 2024.
Artwork by Tyler Nordgren
Eclipse Weekend Activities
Details are subject to change as April 8, 2024 approaches.
At the LBJ Ranch
The park will be hosting free eclipse-related activities and viewing at the LBJ Ranch on April 6, 7, and 8.
Hours:
Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7: The entrance at the LBJ Ranch will open at 9:00 am and close at 5:00 pm.
Monday, April 8: The entrance at the LBJ Ranch will open at 8:00 am and close at 5:00 pm.
Parking:
The Johnsons were looking towards the future when they installed a grass landing strip at the LBJ Ranch in 1953. By the time Lyndon Johnson became president, a series of improvements resulted in a 6,300-foot asphalt airstrip that serviced a variety of aircraft. This allowed President Johnson to establish a home base in Texas where he could continue his work away from Washington, DC...and as it turns out, will now provide a great parking area for visitors coming to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024!
There are no parking reservations. Once parking capacity is reached, LBJ Ranch access will be restricted. We recommend carpooling. Avoid using oversized vehicles, or vehicles with trailers as parking for those will be extremely limited.
What to Bring:
Food: Pack snacks and a picnic lunch. There will not be food vendors at the LBJ Ranch and options are limited in the surrounding area. Help preserve the beauty of the historic LBJ Ranch by planning to pack out what you pack in.
Water Bottles: Refill stations will be available at the airstrip.
Sunscreen and Hats: The advantage of viewing an eclipse from the LBJ Ranch airstrip is the wide open sky, and hopefully April 8 will be a sunny day! Sunburns don’t make good souvenirs.
Seating: There will be a limited number of folding chairs. Bring your own comfortable outdoor chairs to enjoy the activities and the eclipse!
At Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
April 6 and 7: Free presentations will take place in the park's theater located in the visitor center. No reservations are needed for programs, however seating will be first-come, first-seated. Seating capacity is 228.
April 6 and 7
The national park headquarters and visitor center will be open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. You can enjoy exhibits and movies that highlight the life and accomplishments of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson. Also enjoy walking the grounds of the Boyhood Home where our 36th president grew up. There will be no guided tours of the home April 6 and 7.
April 8
The Boyhood Home will be closed. Join us at the LBJ Ranch 13 miles to the west!
Program Schedule
Saturday, April 6
10:30 am -11:15 am
LBJ State Park
and Historic Site Auditorium
Eclipses Across the Solar System
Earth isn't the only place where eclipses take place! See stunning images of moons casting shadows at Saturn, Jupiter, and other worlds in our solar system, as seen by NASA's fleet of robotic spacecraft. Learn about how engineers overcome the challenges such eclipses create for solar-powered missions, and get a sneak peek at the upcoming Europa Clipper expedition to Jupiter’s mysterious ocean moon Europa.
Speaker: Bill Dunford is a Public Engagement Specialist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He manages social media for NASA's solar system exploration program in general, and the Juno and Europa Clipper missions to Jupiter in particular.
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
LBJ Ranch Airstrip
LBJ: Space Cowboy
Join a park ranger for an exploration of Lyndon Johnson's contributions to the American space program. You will learn about how the space program is connected to the LBJ Ranch, the so-called "Space Race" with the Soviet Union, and Johnson's role in the founding of NASA. Come marvel at the amazing achievements that humanity made during the span of a single lifetime, all while enjoying the springtime splendor of the LBJ Ranch!
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
LBJ State Park
and Historic Site Auditorium
The Solar System, the Eclipse, and Earth as a Superhero!
Learn about some of NASA's missions that are exploring the solar system, the importance of planetary magnetic fields which are essential for the existence of life, and how Earth's magnetic shield protects us from space radiation. You will also see how scientists conduct field work, particularly in places that look like Mars or the Moon, but that are located on Earth, and will look forward to the solar eclipse!
Speaker: Dr. Yasmina Martos is an Earth and Planetary Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center who specializes in understanding what lies beneath the surface of rocky planetary bodies and in plasma physics of outer planets. She is part of NASA's Juno mission to Jupiter and is an expedition lead in places like Antarctica and planetary analogs.
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
LBJ Ranch Airstrip
Following President Johnson's death in 1973, NASA Administrator Dr. James C. Fletcher noted, “No other person did more to move America and the world rapidly into the space age than Lyndon Baines Johnson.” The Johnsons welcomed several astronauts to the LBJ Ranch over the years, and the park continues that tradition this weekend. Daniel C. Brandenstein, retired space shuttle astronaut, logged over 789 hours in space. He is a veteran of four shuttle missions, and piloted the first mission with a night launch and night landing. Learn about what it is like to be in space from someone who has been there! Come with your questions!
Sunday, April 7
10:30 am -11:15 am
LBJ State Park
and Historic Site Auditorium
The Moon's Moment in the Sun
There will be an amazing celestial show on April 8! Come learn what will be happening in space, how to view it safely, and learn more about NASA's exploration of the Moon — before it takes center stage during the solar eclipse.
Speaker: Andrea Jonesis the Public Engagement Lead of the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission.
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
LBJ Ranch Airstrip
The effect on Wildlife and Ranch Animals during a solar eclipse
Join park staff for a look at how pets, wildlife, and farm/ranch animals may react to darkness during a solar eclipse. We will explore animal behaviors as atmospheric changes occur and what to expect in our observations of animals.
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
LBJ State Park
and Historic Site Auditorium
The Solar System, the Eclipse, and Earth as a Superhero!
Learn about some of NASA's missions that are exploring the solar system, the importance of planetary magnetic fields which are essential for the existence of life, and how Earth's magnetic shield protects us from space radiation. You will also see how scientists conduct field work, particularly in places that look like Mars or the Moon, but that are located on Earth, and will look forward to the solar eclipse!
Speaker: Dr. Yasmina Martos is an Earth and Planetary Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center who specializes in understanding what lies beneath the surface of rocky planetary bodies and in plasma physics of outer planets. She is part of NASA's Juno mission to Jupiter and is an expedition lead in places like Antarctica and planetary analogs.
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
LBJ Ranch Airstrip
LBJ: Space Cowboy
Join a park ranger for an exploration of Lyndon Johnson's contributions to the American space program. You will learn about how the space program is connected to the LBJ Ranch, the so-called "Space Race" with the Soviet Union, and Johnson's role in the founding of NASA. Come marvel at the amazing achievements that humanity made during the span of a single lifetime, all while enjoying the springtime splendor of the LBJ Ranch!
Monday, April 8
9:30 am
LBJ Ranch Airstrip
Astrophotography & Eclipse Photography Tips
Learn some tips on how to photograph the sky from experienced astrophotographer and Solar System communicator Bill Dunford from Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Speaker: Bill Dunford is a Public Engagement Specialist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He manages social media for NASA's solar system exploration program in general, and the Juno and Europa Clipper missions to Jupiter in particular.
10:30 am
LBJ Ranch Airstrip
Exploring Earth to Explore Space
Join Dr. Yasmina Martos from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to learn about how NASA scientists conduct field work on otherworldly places on Earth to prepare for exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Speaker: Dr. Yasmina Martos is an Earth and Planetary Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center who specializes in understanding what lies beneath the surface of rocky planetary bodies and in plasma physics of outer planets. She is part of NASA's Juno mission to Jupiter and is an expedition lead in places like Antarctica and planetary analogs.
11:30 am
LBJ Ranch Airstrip
LBJ: Space Cowboy
Join a park ranger for an exploration of Lyndon Johnson’s contributions to the American space program. Learn about the program’s connection to the LBJ Ranch, the so-called “Space Race” with the Soviet Union, and Johnson’s role in the founding of NASA.
12:30 am
LBJ Ranch Airstrip
Eclipse Demonstration with NASA
With the help of some costumes and balloons, find out what’s happening in space so that we can experience total solar eclipses here on Earth. Led by the Solar System Exploration Public Engagement team from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Ongoing Activities
Activities taking place all day at the LBJ Ranch on April 6, 7, and 8.
Join NASA at the LBJ Ranch for interactive hands-on activities to celebrate the eclipse!
Discover the Moon's Role in a Solar Eclipse, and a NASA Mission Studying the Sun, Through Art
Long before there were cameras or telescopes, eclipse watchers recorded what they saw in the sky in words, drawings, and paintings. Create your own picture of a total solar eclipse with chalk and paper, color your own eclipse and Moon-themed drawings, and write a letter to family or friends on a special postcard. You can also learn about ultraviolet (UV) light, a special kind of sunlight, and construct your own UV light detector using beads and pipe cleaners.
Become a Lunar Explorer!
Take photos of yourself at the Moon's South Pole with NASA's giant 10 ft. by 10 ft. selfie station. NASA will send humans to the Moon's South Pole through our Artemis missions.
Journey to the Moon with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
Using rocks, globes, and models, you will explore the surface of the Moon, its size in comparison to Earth, and will learn about the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and how the spacecraft is paving the way for future Artemis missions to the Moon.
NASA Handouts
Gather some handouts (including eclipse safety viewers) to help you remember your eclipse experience and keep learning with NASA!
Become a National Park Service Solar Eclipse Junior Ranger!
Complete a solar eclipse junior ranger book and earn a badge. There will also be special LBJ junior ranger badges available only at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park!
What You Need to Know
Your view of the eclipse depends on your location and the weather.
Lyndon B. Johnson is located on the path of totality across North America which means it is one of the locations on Earth from which the Moon will appear to pass directly across the center of the Sun.
First Contact 12:15 p.m.: The first phase is called a "Partial Eclipse". This is when the Moon begins to pass in front of the Sun, slowly blocking more and more of the Sun’s light, making the Sun appear as a crescent getting smaller and smaller until it forms a “C” shape.
Second Contact 1:33 p.m.: "Totality" is when the Moon passes completely in front of the Sun, totally blocking the sun and leaving only the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere visible, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. This is the second phase of the eclipse, and it lasts between 1 and 5 minutes, depending on where you're viewing it from. Here at Lyndon B. Johnson it will be about 4 minutes. During the eclipse, the sky will grow dimmer and animals might behave as if it is dusk.
Third Contact 1:37 p.m.: The Moon will continue to move across the sun for about an hour and 20 minutes, producing another Partial Eclipse.
Fourth Contact 2:56 p.m.: The Moon will continue to move until it no longer overlaps the sun, ending the eclipse.
Entry is free to both the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.
The primary eclipse viewing site for the national park will be the LBJ Ranch. The historic 6300-foot airstrip will serve as the parking area for visitors coming to participate in eclipse-related activities on April 6 and 7 and to view the eclipse on April 8. There are no parking reservations. Once parking capacity is reached, LBJ Ranch access will be restricted.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site: Entry into the state park will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The state park won’t take reservations even for pass holders. Vehicles will be turned away when the parking lot is full.
At this time no official telescope areas have been designated.
The park does not have campgrounds, and no camping will be allowed in the park.
Food Services
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park does not have food services. It is suggested that you pack a picnic for your group.
Restrooms
Permanent restrooms are available at:
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site on the opposite side of the Pedernales River across from the LBJ Ranch (Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park)
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park visitor center in Johnson City (closed on April 8)
Portable Toilets will be available on the LBJ Ranch:
Airstrip where activities are taking place on April 6, 7, 8.
Johnson Family Cemetery
Showbarn
Water
Water fountains are available at:
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site on the opposite side of the Pedernales River across from the LBJ Ranch (Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park)
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park visitor center in Johnson City (closed on April 8)
Water bottle filling stations will be available at:
LBJ Ranch Airstrip where activities are taking place on April 6, 7, 8. Be sure to bring your own bottle or purchase one from the Western National Parks Association bookstore.
Yes. Special eclipse merchandise including glasses, posters, stickers, and more will be available in the Western National Parks Association bookstore.
In the event that communications systems (including credit card processing systems) are impacted by the high number of visitors to the Texas Hill Country, plan to bring cash as an alternative form of payment.
Yes! Learn all about solar eclipses and earn a junior ranger solar eclipse badge. There will also be a special Lyndon B. Johnson solar eclipse badge. Available on April 6, 7, and 8 while they last.
Visitors will be able to view the eclipse from our neighbor, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. For more details go to:
