On Monday, April 8, 2024, much of the U.S. will experience an extraordinary celestial event- a total solar eclipse, with many areas of California experiencing a partial eclipse. During this natural phenomenon, the Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth, completely obscuring the Sun's face and casting anywhere from two to four minutes of darkness across the sky.
The process will begin just after 10 a.m., reach the the peak at 11:12 a.m. and end at 12:21 p.m.
For those schools interested in observing this event, it is imperative to prioritize safety. Schools must ensure that students wear approved protective eyewear and that parents provide consent detailing the significance of using such protection. The consent form is also available in Spanish.
When acquiring protective eyewear for solar viewing, it is crucial to select products from reputable manufacturers or vendors. Ensure the safety glasses bear the following features:
1) ISO certification with eclipse safety marking.
2) Proper fit providing full coverage to the eyes.
3) Free of defects, punctures, and scratches, equipped with authentic solar filters.
NASA has provided numerous resources regarding the eclipse on their website. Additional information can be found on the NASA website.. More information on purchasing solar eclipse approved glasses for safety is also available here: Purchasing Solar Eclipse Approved Glasses for Safety.
For educators and parents seeking alternative methods of eclipse viewing, consider having students create pinhole cameras from shoe boxes to indirectly observe the partial eclipse, which will cover up to 48.6% of the Sun. Another innovative approach is using a food colander, leveraging its multiple holes to create miniature pinhole cameras reflecting crescent shapes during the eclipse. Cheese graters can serve a similar purpose.
Brea Olinda Unified School District would like to ensure that this awe-inspiring event is not only observed but enjoyed safely and responsibly by all.