COUNTDOWN TO THE SOLAR ECLIPSE

April 8, 2024

Watch the eclipse live with us

WHAT IS THE SOLAR ECLIPSE?


On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over the United States, Mexico and Canada. A solar eclipse is when the moon crosses in front of the earth and blocks our view of the sun. This year, the University of North Texas is lucky to be in the eclipse’s path! UNT at Frisco will experience 100% totality while UNT’s Denton campus will experience 99% totality.

The next total solar eclipse to cross over the U.S. will be in 2044!

Check if your home is in the eclipse’s path with this map from the National Solar Observatory.


 

Family of four watching the eclipse through viewing glasses

How to view the eclipse

Safety is the number one priority when it comes to the eclipse. Never look directly into the sun without proper eye protection such as certified solar viewing glasses also known as eclipse glasses. Proper glasses will comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.

If you do not have eclipse glasses, you can use an indirect viewing method, like a pinhole projector, to project an image of the sun on a nearby surface. You can learn more about safe viewing from NASA’s safety guidelines web page here.

UNT WATCH PARTIES

UNT's free watch parties will feature educational activities and certified solar viewing glasses while supplies last.

Eclipse Watch Party
Frisco
UNT at Frisco will experience 100% totality
11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
12995 Preston Road in Frisco
Additional parking at Toyota Stadium, shuttles available
Eclipse Watch Party
Denton
UNT’s Denton campuses will experience 99% totality
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
1155 Union Circle Drive in Denton
University Union South Lawn
Eclipse Watch Party
Discovery Park
UNT’s Discovery Park will experience 99% totality
12 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
3940 N. Elm Street in Denton
Grassy area near the bus stop

Learn More

Student looking into a large telescope.
How ancient cultures responded to the celestial phenomenon

With the total solar eclipse approaching, excitement grows within the University of North Texas community as they prepare to witness the phenomenon alongside the broader region.

Zoe Ortiz, an assistant professor in UNT’s Department of History, sees the 2024 eclipse as an opportunity to reflect on how ancient civilizations viewed these events. Read more >>
 
Image of the moon partially covering the sun during an eclipseThe latest edition of Happy Friday, North Texas!

Hear UNT experts and correspondents weigh in on the significance of the upcoming eclipse and discuss the many events and watch parties happening at UNT's campus locations.
 
Happy Friday, North Texas! brings you the stories that make UNT unique. Listen now >>