Below is important guidance for K-12 schools in Pennsylvania regarding the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, from PDE. This is a rare and exciting astronomical event that presents a unique opportunity for students to learn about science, space, and the wonders of the natural world.
To ensure the safety and enhance the educational value of this event, PDE has developed a comprehensive resource guide for K-12 schools. This guide includes information on eye safety, viewing methods, educational activities, and more. The guide is available on PDE’s website. Please visit the website for more information.
Our area is not in the Line of Totality meaning we will not see a complete solar eclipse. Instead, we are projected to see a partial eclipse for 2 hours 27 minutes with 94.4% of the sun being obscured by the moon at the peak. The time projection for our area starts at 2:05pm with the peak of the partial eclipse being at 3:21pm and ending at 4:33pm. It is common for people wanting to view the peak of the event around 3:21pm.
A very important reminder about viewing an eclipse: All viewers need protective eyewear! Regular sunglasses do not provide the necessary protection. People need special solar eclipse glasses if you intend to watch the event. Just as on a normal day, if you do not have the special protective eyewear, you should not look directly at the sun. As the guide mentions on PDE’s site, **NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR** This applies to EVERYONE not just students.