Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Houston to San Antonio, USA - SOLD OUT
3 April 2024 - 8 days for £4,399 - SOLD OUT
One of nature's most magnificent events will be visible across North and Central America on 8 April 2024 and we have chosen Texas as the perfect spot to witness this total eclipse.
Renowned astronomer Dr John Mason will lead the eclipse experience at an exclusive, secluded viewing location, Broken Bow Ranch Eagle Pass, as well as giving evening seminars on his eclipse-chasing adventures plus evening talks from astronomer Martin Griffiths.
You will also visit several astronomical and geologically interesting sites along the way as you travel through Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Including the NASA Space Centre Houston, two observatories, two state parks and the Texas Natural Science Centre.
DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO HOUSTON
After checking into the Hilton Nasa Clear Lake Hotel for two nights, you will meet your tour leader who will brief you on the tour ahead then take the group for a dinner in a downtown restaurant.
Houston is America's fourth-largest city. A cosmopolitan destination where Southern hospitality meets urban chic city. Filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping and nightlife. If you arrive early, you can take a stroll through the historic Heights, or spend the day exploring the Museum District.
DAY 2: NASA SPACE CENTRE HOUSTON AND COLUMBUS DARK SKY SITE
Today, you will start with the NASA Space Centre Houston. Visit historic Mission Control, Saturn V Rocket Park, the Starship Gallery and other NASA exhibits. The centre also hosts the Johnson Space Centre. NASA’s lead for International Space Station operations and missions, home to the Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle, and numerous advanced human exploration projects. The centre also plays an important role in NASA’s Commercial Crew programs.
You will then visit the Columbus Dark site which is a private facility for the Houston Astronomical Society members which our group has been allowed special access to. This activity is not open to the general public and is by invitation only. This visit will be hosted by the Houston Astronomical Society. This activity will be weather dependant.
DAY 3: TEXAS NATURAL SCIENCE CENTRE, BBQ AND WINE TASTING
After breakfast, you will take a two-and-a-half-hour drive cross-country to Austin. Known as the live-music capital of the US and also the capital of Texas.
Your first visit is to the Texas Natural Science Center. A research unit of the College of Natural Sciences and the home of the college’s ichthyology, herpetology, entomology, and palaeontology collections. The centre is dedicated to encouraging awareness and appreciation of the interplay of biological, geological, and environmental forces as they affect our world,
In the afternoon, you will head west along the Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 and pass by 22 award-winning vineyards before stopping at one for a vineyard tour, wine tasting and BBQ.
Later, you will check into the Hyatt Place Austin Downtown for two nights.
DAY 4: AUSTIN CITY
Today enjoy a city tour of downtown Austin. From 19th-century architecture to Texas state history but with a hippie university town atmosphere, there’s plenty to explore.
Afterwards, you will drive out to Enchanted Rock State Park to gently climb its granite dome rising above Texas which has drawn people for thousands of years. It’s the largest pink granite monadnock in the US which affords stunning views and exploration of its unusual rock formations.
Back at the hotel in the evening, there will be a talk with New Scientist Expert Martin Griffiths.
DAY 5: PRE-ECLIPSE BRIEFING AND THE CURTIS VAUGHAN JR. OBSERVATORY
The day before the Solar Eclipse Event, you will attend an event hosted by the Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory. It’s a research grade 16" Meade LX200 Advanced Coma-Free telescope currently used in tracking asteroids and minor orbiting bodies within our solar system for orbital tracking. This will be an exciting event and we will ensure we have an exclusive scheduled time for the auditorium with the Curtis Vaughan Jr Team.
In the afternoon at 5pm, you will depart the downtown area to return to the hotel for the Pre-Eclipse Lecture by Dr John Mason. At 6pm, you will attend a pre-eclipse briefing. If this time has to be updated when in destination, your tour leader will communicate any changes.
This evening, you will attend a detailed solar eclipse briefing by Dr John Mason. This will be a detailed presentation to ensure that you are well prepared for the following day's event. There will be light appetizers and drinks provided. This will approximately be an hour with questions.
DAY 6: ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE AT BROKEN BOW RANCH EAGLE PASS
We worked closely with Dr John Mason to secure the perfect location for you to witness the eclipse, an have chosen, Broken Bow Ranch. The site has been chosen due to its expansive landscape and isolation, the best way to enjoy an eclipse.
On the day, we will transport you to the private site well in advance of the eclipse, so you can get set up and comfortable. Our team will provide refreshments and snacks throughout the day, plus a picnic lunch and viewing glasses.
The experience will be led by Dr John who will provide commentary and guidance throughout the day plus Martin will be on hand to answer any questions. Please note that along with 2 or 3 New Scientist groups, there will be a third group of Dr John’s guests meeting at the Eclipse site.
DAY 7: ENJOY SAN ANTONIO AND CLOSING TALKS
In the late morning, you will enjoy a post-Eclipse brunch event where Dr John Mason will speak about the incredible event that you experienced the previous day.
Afterwards, you will have time at leisure. There is plenty to do nearby including the marine mammal oceanarium Sea Park or your tour leader can arrange an excursion for you (payable locally), such as a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Antonio Missions which includes the famous Texan site, the Alamo.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with Martin Griffiths as you are at the end of your incredible adventure.
DAY 8: DEPART SAN ANTONIO
After breakfast, your day is at leisure to leave the tour and start your journey home.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change as some observatories are yet to commit to activity but we are confident that we can deliver an immersive and exciting astronomically themed tour.
