Solar Eclipse Resources
The total solar eclipse happening on the afternoon of April 8, 2024, continues to build excitement and interest as the celestial bodies of Earth, sun, and moon align in perfect formation, i.e. a line that blocks the sun from our vantage point here on Earth. While we are not in the direct path of totality, the 93% partial eclipse we will experience is still pretty special. We are expected to experience the partial eclipse on Monday between 2:15 and 4:30 pm according to NASA projections (see map below).
As we will be engaged in our dismissal time shortly after the eclipse begins, it is important to remind our students to never look directly at the sun. The intensity of the wavelengths of light emitted by the sun will cause severe damage to the eyes. While this damage may not be felt immediately, it can cause long-term damage and multiple exposures can cause more damage over time.
There are appropriate ways to view the eclipse as it unfolds and included with this message are the ways that our PSB Science department will share in the event. NASA has an outstanding collection of excellent resources (some included below) from what a solar eclipse is to what one might experience during an eclipse (changes in weather, animal behavior, etc.). What an exciting moment to nurture an interest in astronomy! If your children have after-school programs/schedules, please check in directly with those leaders/programs to understand if there are any shifts or adjustments they may make to accommodate this gem of an experience.
Eclipse Resources
The PSB Science departments are excited about the upcoming partial solar eclipse! BHS will have an Eclipse watch party in the Cafe at 22 Tappan as the eclipse progresses. We will live stream internet viewing set up in the Cafe. We will stream a BHS student's telescope if he can make all necessary connections; otherwise, we'll project the eclipse from NASA on the screen at 22 Tappan. We will set up some pinhole cameras on the sidewalk in front of the T stop to project the image on poster boards. Our 8th-grade students are immersed in learning about the eclipse in their astronomy unit. Coordinators have shared many resources with teachers to help students understand this natural phenomenon.
Eclipse Facts from NASA
(Retrieved from https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/, 4/2/24)
- Total Solar Eclipse: For a total solar eclipse to take place the sun, moon and earth must be in a direct line. The people who see the total eclipse are in the center of the Moon’s shadow when it hits the earth. The sky will darken as if it is twilight. Weather permitting, people in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun.
- Partial Solar Eclipse: A partial eclipse happens when the sun, Moon, and Earth are not exactly lined up. Only part of the sun will appear to be covered. During a total eclipse, people outside the moon’s inner shadow see a partial solar eclipse.
The path of totality is 115 miles wide. In this 115-mile swath, the moon will completely block the sun. Given Brookline’s position, we will not experience a total eclipse but will have the exciting opportunity to view a partial solar eclipse.
Some Fun Resources from NASA
- Check out this slide deck from NASA that explains ancestral beliefs about eclipses.
- Looking for a fun family project? Check out: How to Make a Pinhole Camera
- Looking for a video to watch with younger students?