Editor's note: This article Dallas Morning News coverage of the 2024 total solar eclipse. Originally published on April 8, 2024, he was updated on April 9, 2024 with a quote from his mother.Learn more about dallasnews.com/eclipse.
There aren't many historical events that get as much attention as a total solar eclipse. But let's hope the Texans somehow find a way.
Alicia Alvarez brought her second child into the world on Monday, rushing to the hospital to give birth to Sol Celeste Alvarez at 1:04 p.m., minutes before the moon was completely hidden by the sun.
Spanish: Bevenas and Pleno solar eclipse in North Texas
“She walked in with her eyes open and knew it was time to come out,” Alvarez said. “We didn't expect it to happen this close to a solar eclipse. We already had glasses and were preparing to watch somewhere else, but we were ready.”
Alvarez was due to give birth on April 17, but Sol had other plans. The Fort Worth family had to struggle through heavy traffic jams caused by space tourists trying to catch a glimpse of the eclipse.
When they finally arrived at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Alicia and her husband, Carlos, breathed a sigh of relief. Sol was born weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
Sol will also be permanently linked to the total solar eclipse beyond the time of his birth. Her name means “sun” in Spanish. This also isn't the first time her family has used Spanish with their children. Sol's 4-year-old sister's name is Luna, which means “moon” in Spanish.
“I heard people screaming and they were looking out. I could see out the window,” Alvarez said. “Their fathers are black and Hispanic, and their names are close to each other, so we wanted to trace their names back to their Hispanic roots. We're really happy. She's a miracle.”
