On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies over select areas of Mexico, the US, and Canada. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either partially or fully blocks the Sun's light.
Although partial eclipses are common, the last time DFW experienced a total eclipse was 1878. Since it has been almost 150 years since the last total solar eclipse, it is understandable why so many people are making plans to travel to places where they can experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. After this event, DFW is not expected to experience another total eclipse for 300 years.
Because of high interest in our area, many school districts, including Life School, adjusted their school calendars to allow families to enjoy the experience. The adjustment also ensures that students don’t need to travel to-and-from school during what is expected to be an extremely high-traffic day. (Life School will instead hold classes on Friday, April 12.)
On April 8th, North Texas will experience 2-4.5 minutes of totality, which is the longest time of totality in the country. That provides an opportunity to experience an extraordinary event with your child.
As you enjoy the experience with your child, please remember to keep safety in mind:
- Use Eye Protection: Looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. Use certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers to safely view the eclipse. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient for eye protection.
- Children's Safety: Supervise children closely during the eclipse and ensure they understand the importance of wearing proper eye protection. Never let them look at the Sun without appropriate eye gear.
Certified Solar Viewing Glasses are designed specific for safely observing the Sun. Alternately, you could consider creating a pinhole projector to indirectly view the eclipse. This simple method projects an image of the Sun onto a surface, allowing you to observe the eclipse safely.
For updates and additional information about the solar eclipse, consult reliable sources such as NASA's website.
Have a fantastic learning experience!
