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About Solar eclipse
What schools are doing on Monday, April 8 — the day of the solar eclipse.
On Monday, April 8, 2024 a “partial totality” solar eclipse will be visible in the city of Philadelphia. At peak eclipse, this astronomical phenomenon will result in the moon covering 90% of the sun. The eclipse duration is approximately 2:08 – 4:35 p.m., and it will peak in our area at 3:23 p.m.
Schools will use this natural event as a unique learning opportunity for students offering eclipses-themed activities and lessons during science classes.
Parents/Guardians who are concerned about children looking at the sun during dismissal may pick them up from school early.
Please refer to the health and safety tips below to learn how to safely view the eclipse, should you choose to do so.
Here are some safety tips from the Office of Student Health Services on how students can safely view the eclipse during the school day:
The solar eclipse can be viewed safely with appropriate eye protection. Appropriate eye protection includes solar eclipse glasses or solar eclipse filters.
Never look directly at the sun without appropriate eye protection. Looking directly at the sun without appropriate eye protection can burn sensitive eye tissue and damage your vision.
There are 3 ways to safely watch the eclipse:
With the pinhole projector method
There are multiple ways to make a pinhole projector:
With a cereal box – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI1ttQxXt5s
With sheets of paper – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiT_KHRlSHQ
It’s important to remember, when using this method DO NOT look at the sun through the pinhole.
With solar eclipse glasses or filter
The only way to directly look at the sun during an eclipse is using a solar filter that meets the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
You can find out where to get solar glasses or filters that meet this standard here – https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters
Individuals that wear glasses or contact lenses should keep them on when using the solar glasses or filters.
The solar glasses or filters should be placed over the eyes BEFORE looking at the sun.
The solar glasses or filters should be removed from the eyes after turning and looking away from the sun.
Watching the NASA live stream
If you can’t make it outside you can watch NASA’s live stream of the eclipse – https://www.nasa.gov/nasatv/
If there are any questions about your child’s vision, please contact their primary care provider. If you need a primary care provider, you can make an appointment at the city health centers by calling (215) 685-2933 or visit a federally qualified health center. We are grateful for your support and cooperation as we safely enjoy this extraordinary event together.