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Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Houston to San Antonio, USA

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3 April 2024 - 8 days for £4,399

One of nature's most magnificent events will take place 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 viewing location on a secluded ranch as well as giving evening seminars on his eclipse-chasing adventures plus evening talks from New Scientist astronomer and features editor Abigail Beall. 

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.

We also have a 10-day eclipse tour starting in Albuquerque. Click here for full details.

DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO HOUSTON

After checking into the Hilton Americas 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: SPACE CENTRE HOUSTON, THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY AND BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK

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 head towards the Brazos Bend State Park for some naked-eye stargazing and a potential visit to the historic George Observatory for a session on their telescopes. Its 36-inch Gueymard research telescope is one of America’s largest research-grade telescopes that is open to the public.

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 AND ENCHANTED ROCK STATE PARK

You will start the day with 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.

Afterward, 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 the first of three talks from New Scientist features writer and astronomer Abigail Beall.

DAY 5: PRE-ECLIPSE BRIEFING AND THE CURTIS VAUGHAN JR. OBSERVATORY

The day before the Solar Eclipse Event, you will travel south to the historic city of San Antonio. You will visit 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. 

After checking into the Hilton Garden Inn Hill Country Resort for three nights, there will be a short eclipse briefing from astronomer and eclipse chaser Dr John Mason to cover the schedule for the eclipse day. This will be followed by a second talk from Abigail Beall.

DAY 6: ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE AT A PRIVATE VIEWING SITE

Full eclipse site details will be released closer to departure. We have worked closely with Dr John Mason to secure the perfect ranch location for you to witness the eclipse. 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 Abigail 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

Today is a day at leisure after the excitement of the eclipse. There’s plenty to door 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 you will enjoy a post-Eclipse Event where Dr John Mason will speak about the incredible event that you experienced the previous day, then Abigail will give a final talk followed by a farewell dinner.

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 in April 2024 but we are confident that we can deliver an immersive and exciting astronomically themed tour.

Let's chat. Contact an expert to book your Discovery Tour

Email us

Phone +44 (0)203 3089 917

Let's chat. Contact an expert to book your Discovery Tour

Email us

Phone +44 (0)203 3089 917

Highlights

  • A private viewing site for the eclipse with expansive scenic views, refreshments and commentary throughout from Dr John Mason.
  • Evening talks from New Scientist’s Abigail Beall and Dr John Mason.
  • Curtis Vaughan Jr. and George Observatories.
  • NASA Space Centre Houston and Texas Natural Science Centre.
  • Brazos Bend and Enchanted Rock State Parks.
  • Explore the cities of Houston, San Antonio and Austin.

Meet the expert

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Abigail Beall is a writer and features editor for New Scientist, where she also writes a monthly astronomy column. In 2019, Abigail wrote and published The Art of Urban Astronomy and has also co-written three popular science books for Dorling Kindersley. She has helped New Scientist readers explore the night skies over Norway and will shortly be accompanying Discovery Tours to Australia and Chile for astronomy, observatory visits and the 2023 total solar eclipse.

In addition, Abigail is a physics, technology and environment journalist whose work has appeared in Wired, BBC Science Focus and BBC Future.

John Mason is an astronomy expert and veteran eclipse chaser.  Past President of the British Astronomical Association and Acting Director of the BAA's Meteor Section. He is a frequent broadcaster on radio and television and has appeared many times with Sir Patrick Moore on BBC TV's The Sky at Night. For over 25 years he has been leading overseas expeditions to observe and record annular and total solar eclipses, the polar aurora and major meteor showers. He was made an MBE in the 2009 New Year's Honours List for his services to science education.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Eclipse experience at private viewing site.
  • Eclipse viewing glasses.
  • Entry to all sites and attractions
  • All accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • Two dinners, one BBQ and one picnic lunch.
  • English-speaking tour leader throughout.
  • Talks from Abigail Beal and Dr John Mason.
  • All transport by air-conditioned coach.
  • 24-hour support.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel insurance.
  • Flights/transport to join the tour.
  • Single supplement £925.

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

Whilst this tour visits many exciting sites, we have built in plenty of relaxation time. You will be travelling between sites on a comfortable air-conditioned coach.

There will be walking for up to 3 hours at a slow pace around museums, observatories and when visiting the two state parks. At the observatories, you may have to climb stairs and the walking in the state parks may be on rough tracks. So, robust footwear is recommended. No activity is mandatory, so you can let the group go ahead whilst you spend time at your own pace.

Accommodation

Hilton Americas Houston

Centrally located in downtown Houston and close to many interesting sites, this four-star hotel has several restaurants and bars to choose from plus a spa and infinity pool.

Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

Set in the heart of downtown Austin with shopping, restaurants and entertainment all nearby. This modern hotel has a pool, gym and 24-hour dining.

Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio Hill Country Resort

Nestled among the rolling hills of San Antonio, this four-star resort hotel has three swimming pools, outdoor firepits and an excellent gym. It’s a five-minute drive from Seaworld, an oceanarium and marine mammal park