If you’re bummed that the astronomical event of the year — or should we say, the next 20 years — is almost over, don’t worry. A host of other happenings are headed to the night sky in 2024.
Here’s what, how, and where to watch.
What’s on the horizon
Supermoons, blue moons + lunar eclipses
There will be four supermoons in 2024, in which the moon will be full while at (or near) its closest point to Earth, or “perigee.”
The result: a bigger, brighter full moon.
Super Sturgeon Moon | Monday, Aug. 19 (this will also be a seasonal blue moon)
Super Harvest Moon | Wednesday, Sept. 18
Super Hunter’s Moon | Thursday, Oct. 17 (this will be the closest and brightest supermoon of the year)
Super Beaver Moon | Friday, Nov. 15
Between Tuesday, Sept. 17 and Wednesday, Sept. 18, you’ll also get to spot a partial lunar eclipse, where Earth’s shadow will fall over the moon between 9:12 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
Meteor showers
At least a dozen annual meteor showers are visible across the world each year, according to the American Meteor Society. Here are a few to look forward to:
Eta Aquarids | Monday, April 15-Monday, May 27 | Peaks before dawn on Sunday, May 5
Perseids | Sunday, July 14-Sunday, Sept. 1 | Peaks Monday, Aug. 12
How to watch
Light pollution in urban centers means that a clear night sky is hard to come by. Luckily, you have two options:
Find your nearest DarkSite by using a light pollution map. If you’re using a resource that lists Bortle values, you’ll want to find a place tracking five or lower in order to track meteor showers.
1st Annual Pup Crawl | Now-Sunday, April 28 | 9 a.m. | MUTTS Canine Cantina, 825 N. Lake Creek Pkwy., Austin | $25 | Grab a pawsport and your pup to drink your way through town and raise money for the Austin Humane Society.
Helping Hands Lab | Monday, April 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock | Free | Study your genealogy with help from the pros at this workshop.
Monday Night Jazz Jam | Monday, April 8 | 9 p.m. | Elephant Room, 315 Congress Ave., Austin | Free | Gil del Bosque hosts this session with Dan Redner on piano, Josh Berry on drums, and Alex Browne on bass.
Tuesday, April 9
The New Essentials | Tuesday, April 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | Sip on beer and listen to the soulful, locally founded band.
Open Mic Comedy Bingo | Tuesday, April 9 | 9:30 p.m. | Shakespeare’s, 314 E. 6th St., Austin | Free | Fill out your punny bingo board as comedians take the stage.
Wednesday, April 10
Jeff Ross | Wednesday, April 10-Friday, April 12 | Times vary | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $45 | The “Roastmaster General” heats up the stage with a night of comedy.
Metabolic Health expert Ben Azadi will deliver a keynote presentation at Hack Your Health 2024. | Photo courtesy of Q1 Productions / Hack Your Health
ICYMI, the Hack Your Health wellness conference is taking over the Palmer Events Center from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2.
We’re back with an inside look at the schedule, curated to leave you feeling inspired, informed, and ready to take charge of your health journey. Here’s what to expect if you attend:
World-class speakers
Prepare to be enlightened by some of the best in the biz. The conference’s 70+ esteemed speakers are ready to share astounding knowledge that could revolutionize the way you think about wellness.
Network in the Expo Hall, where 100+ exhibitors and sponsors will showcase the latest in health and wellness tech, skincare, wearable devices, supplements, and services.
Specialty workshops
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of wellness during Q&A panels and targeted workshops, like the Entrepreneur Business Building Workshop.
Pro tip: Use code ATX50 for $50 off all ticket types (excluding the virtual replay pass).
Austin City Council has approved an amendment to city code that will prohibit cars from parking in bike lanes. This initiated a six-month grace period where violators will be issued warnings. City Council will revisit the amendment in October to fully adopt it into law.
Number
1+ million. That’s how many tourists are expected to flock to Austin for the total solar eclipse, causing the tourism industry — and traffic — to skyrocket. City officials are reminding locals to take precautions so they can safely enjoy the phenomenon. (KVUE)
Open
Austin welcomed Half Moon, a new patio bar at 2316 Webberville Rd., directly behind Murray’s Tavern. The dog-friendly space offers a full bar with drinks to fit the lunar theme, and it hopes to offer a small food menu in the future. It will be open Fridays-Sundays.
Opening
Texas-based retailer Tyler’s is heading to the Rock Creek Plaza in Round Rock. The fashion and lifestyle store will offer brands like Nike, Stanley, Vuori, and Yeti. The new location is set to have its grand opening on Saturday, April 20.
Feel Good
UT Austin alum and artists Kerry Awn, Tommy Bauman, and Rick Turner have reunited to restore their 50-year-old “Austintatious” mural after it was defaced last month. The artists added the display to West 23rd Street in 1974, and this is the fifth time they’ve reunited to restore it. (The Daily Texan)
Trending
With possible cloudy weather in the forecast, what happens if we don’t have clear skies for the total solar eclipse? Bill Nye “the Science Guy” said the effects will still be visible and spectacular. He also reminded spectators they’ll still need eye protection, so wear your eclipse glasses. (Austin American-Statesman)
Sports
Basketball coach Jamie Dixon’s contract has been extended, but what does that mean for TCU? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the TCU Horned Frogs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Home
Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*
The Buy
The Buy 4.08.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The lipstick that’s more like a phenomenon: Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. You can now buy Clinique on Amazon, and the black honey lipstick has skyrocketed to the No. 1 new release in beauty and personal care.
Hello, Austin. I’m a national content editor, so I will help out with this newsletter occasionally. But let me tell you, I am feeling the hype for the total solar eclipse.
If you space out during this eclipse, you’ll be waiting a long time for the next one. Austin won’t experience total eclipse visibility again until 2044, and the next time Central Texas will be in the path of totality is 2343.
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