KILLEEN, Texas — Munich, Germany. That's the farthest place from where Kathryn Winston has spoken with folks planning to visit Killeen, Texas to see the solar eclipse.
Winston is the Central Texas College planetarium director. Central Texas College is where many of Monday's eclipse activities will be centered.
“We’ve been planning for this event well over a year," said Winston. "We’ve been working with our city, city departments, emergency management, really trying to prepare."
That also means checking with cities in the path of totality during previous eclipses, including the one many of us remember from 2017.
“I don’t think I’ll see another one in my lifetime,” said Laura Zahradnik.
Zahradnik traveled to Killeen from California for the eclipse and to see an old friend who happens to live in nearby Temple.
"I feel like it’s something that the ancient people were in awe of and also I’m in awe of," said Zahradnik. "And somehow that brings us all together as people.”
Zahradnik and her friend participated in a special eclipse-themed reception and dinner Saturday evening at the planetarium where an immediate focus was also Monday’s forecast.
“I’m going to be hopeful," said friend Dee Delsecco. "It’s iffy, but I’m going to be hopeful.”
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Many people said spending a little time in total darkness during the day will still be memorable even if the eclipse isn’t clearly visible.
"We’re going to go with it no matter what,” said Winston.
Organizers said hotel rooms and private rentals are booked solid around Killeen.
If you plan on traveling to Killeen or any other Texas towns, note that many roadside signs discourage parking along highways to watch the eclipse