Since the Sun Went Dark: One Year of Cosmic Action

Photo credit: Donovan Bridgeforth

EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) — It’s been one year since the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse captured the attention of millions across East Texas and beyond.

The skies darkened in the middle of the day, temperatures dropped, and people paused their lives to witness a rare moment of cosmic alignment. But while the eclipse is behind us, the sky hasn’t exactly been quiet since.

Over the past year, skywatchers have been treated to a string of celestial events. The October 2024 annular eclipse, also known as the “ring of fire,” brought partial views to East Texas. Meteor showers like the Perseids in August and the Geminids in December filled the night skies with bright streaks and occasional fireballs.

Planetary action also stole the show. Venus and Jupiter made brilliant appearances just after sunset, with a few planetary alignments causing skywatchers to look twice. And back in March, a bright green comet called 12P/Pons-Brooks passed by Earth for the first time in decades.

So what’s coming next?

This month, the Lyrid meteor shower will peak on April 22–23, kicking off the year’s major meteor events. And in the fall, another planetary alignment will offer great viewing opportunities.

While we may not see another total solar eclipse in East Texas for decades, the skies above are always moving — and there’s always something worth looking up for.

Stay tuned to TXAN 24 News for local sky alerts and live coverage when the stars come out to play.