Posted on April 5, 2024
Categories: News from SDP

April 6, 2024

What schools are doing on Monday, April 8 — the day of the solar eclipse.

  • 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.

SHQIP |  عربي | 汉语 |  Français |  ខ្មែរ  |  Português |  Pусский |  Español |  Việt

April 5, 2024

Dear School District of Philadelphia Families,

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.

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. Appropropirate 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. 
    • Students should be supervised while viewing the eclipse to ensure proper eye safety precautions are taken. Students should be instructed to never look directly at the sun without appropriate eye protection. Regular sunglasses, polaroid filters, welding glasses and similar materials are NOT appropriate eye protection.
  • There are 3 ways to safely watch the eclipse: 
  • With the pinhole projector method

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 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.

Sincerely,

Office of Student Health Services
The School District of Philadelphia