On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible from North America when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. In Irvine, we will experience a partial solar eclipse of about 59 percent coverage that will begin at 10:05 a.m. and end at 12:22 p.m. with maximum coverage expected at 11:12 a.m. For more information, click here.
This will be the last total solar eclipse in the U.S. until 2044! This is a unique opportunity to spark your child’s interest in science by showing how the moon rotates around our planet and how Earth rotates around the sun. Below are links to resources and information about the eclipse, including how to watch the eclipse safely.
Safety First!
Below are some important safety tips from NASA:
- Do not look directly at the eclipse unless you have eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2:2015 standards. Regular sunglasses are not safe to use.
- Use proper solar filters on cameras, binoculars, and telescopes. Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
- If you don't have eclipse glasses, consider using indirect viewing methods (such as a pinhole projector [jpl.nasa.gov]) to safely observe the eclipse.
- The American Astronomical Society has a list of safe eclipse glasses. Be aware of counterfeit glasses.
- Click here for more NASA safety tips.
Similar to the solar eclipse we experienced in 2017, IUSD schools will take precautions to help ensure student safety while in school, but we ask that you review the safety guidelines with your child in advance as well.
Resources
- Visit NASA’s 2024 Solar Eclipse resource webpage for a range of important and helpful information.
- The National Science Teaching Association webpage provides a series of guides and resources.
- PBS eclipse resources and events, includes educational toolkits for families.
