Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024
What will occur during the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024?
Pennsylvania will be in the direct line of a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon is positioned in a spot giving the perspective where it is the same size as the Earth, and the Moon appears to completely block the Sun.
The eclipse phase sequence will begin at 2:00 PM. At around 3:00 PM, the moon will seem to be covering most of the Sun, at which times the skies will grow increasingly darker. At roughly 3:15 PM, the total eclipse will occur as the moon completely covers the Sun’s surface. The sky will darken much like dawn or dusk for roughly 4 minutes.
Please note, our area is projected to have approximately 95% blockage of the sun, not the complete, total eclipse.
What safety precautions should be taken during the solar eclipse?
Eye Safety
Never look directly at the sun without protective eyewear. Even a short glimpse of the sun can cause damage to the eye.
Observers should always use solar eye protection if they wish to view the eclipse. Regular sunglasses are not considered solar eye protection for this event. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are NOT safe for viewing the sun.
Driving Safety
If driving, do NOT pull off the side of the roadway to view the eclipse as it could impede traffic and become unsafe.
Make sure headlights are on.
Do NOT wear eclipse glasses while driving.
Do NOT try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving.
Be mindful of pedestrians who may be distracted by the solar eclipse.
How will the Towanda Area School District handle the solar eclipse?
The district does NOT plan to dismiss early on April 8 due to the eclipse.
Teachers will be educating students on proper safety measures to take during the eclipse.
The district will NOT be purchasing solar glasses for students but will allow students to wear them at dismissal time and on the school bus.
Bus drivers have been instructed NOT to veer from their normal routines on this day.
We acknowledge that students could be drawn to look at the eclipse, therefore we will try to keep them indoors as much as possible.
Any parent/guardian wishing to have their student absent or dismissed early during this event can do so. The absence/dismissal will be considered Excused.