Solar Eclipse Information

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Safety during solar eclipses

These safety precautions should be also followed during any outdoor events occurring during the two-three hours of the eclipse phase progression, whether it be with the intent of eclipse viewing, outdoor laboratories/learning, playground time, sports events, or even during commute or transport to and from school or other events.

Eye safety

Observers should always use solar viewing or eclipse glasses, hand-held solar viewers made with sun filter film, or an alternative safe solar viewing method, such as a pinhole projector, to view the sun. This includes when watching a partial or annular eclipse, or before or after totality for a total solar eclipse. Even a short glimpse of the sun can permanently damage the rods and cones in the human retina. Eye safety precautions during the eclipse should be followed when viewing from both indoor and outdoor locations.

NASA indicates that viewing during the fleeting moments of totality during a total solar eclipse can be safeOpens In A New Window; however, extreme caution must be practiced because totality is dependent on the full magnitude of effect and viewing angles. In some locations totality lasts only one second, in others the span may be as long as 4 minutes 28 seconds.

Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker than even the darkest sunglasses. Eclipse viewing apparatuses should comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

NASA provides more about viewing a solar eclipse eye safely on the NASA solar eclipse websiteOpens In A New Window.​

**NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR**

Equipment/technology safety

To safely use a telescope, binoculars, camera, or cell phone to view a partial eclipse, you must place a safe solar filter on the front of the device, protecting the optics from the sun's intense heat and light. Some special solar telescopes or binoculars are designed specifically for viewing the sun, which have solar filters built into the instrument.

Do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury.
Watching a solar eclipse on your smartphone camera or other device that is not configured to view solar events can put you at risk of accidentally looking at the sun when trying to line up your camera. It could also damage your smartphone or camera. Don't take the risk.

Seek expert advice before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics. Visit a vendor that specializes in astronomical equipment to purchase solar filters or other equipment dedicated to solar viewing.

Skin safety

During any partial, annual, and the phases of a total eclipse the sun will be very bright and intensified. It is recommended that individuals spending time outside during the eclipse phase sequence take precautions to prevent skin damage. These may include wearing sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing with SPF ratings.

Food, water, shelter

For those spending much of the eclipse outside, especially if you are viewing away from your home, as well as those who are organizing eclipse viewing events, please ensure participants bring or have access to the following:

• Appropriate layers for sunny, cold, or rainy conditions and comfortable walking shoes
• Water
• Snacks or a meal
• Sunscreen, umbrella, or sun shelter
• Bug repellent
• Camp chairs, a blanket, or other seating
• Necessary medications
  
  

Driving safety

Anticipate issues with transportation due to the uniqueness of the eclipse phenomena. Pennsylvania has viewing opportunities that are drawing eclipse viewers to many areas that are not accustomed to high traffic volume. Areas with normal high traffic will have increased traffic. In all areas, be prepared for spontaneous disruptions caused by distracted drivers. Awareness of potential complications is crucial even if individuals are not intentional eclipse viewers.

Consider the following:

• Pre-plan your route. Know your destination in advance and where you plan to safely park to view the eclipse.
• Do not pull off the side of a roadway to view the eclipse as it could impede traffic and is unsafe.
• Do not park on privately owned land (empty lots or farm fields) unless arrangements have been made with the owner of the property.
• In the event your GPS does not work, keeping a paper travel map in your preparedness kit is smart.
• Keep your gas tank topped off.
• If it is a rainy week prior to the eclipse date, be mindful of parking in grassy areas such as fields. The ground may be soft, and your vehicle may get stuck.
• Do not call 9-1-1 for traffic jams unless it is a life-safety emergency.

Potential considerations for planning of daily school routine and special events

Except for during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun's bright face, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protectionOpens In A New Window for solar viewing.

School districts are highly encouraged to begin planning for this event, and to keep the following in mind:

• Schools are encouraged to review their school calendars sooner rather than later to avoid potential conflicts with other school-related events and activities.
• The eclipse will begin and occur shortly after 2:00 PM, which may overlap with school dismissal.

·       PDE will consider an early dismissal on the day of the eclipse for safety purposes to be an early dismissal for inclement weather. Since early dismissals for inclement weather are defined as instructional activities (22 Pa. Code §11.8), the day will count as a full day of instruction.    
·       Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, LEAs must provide a minimum of 180 instructional days or 900 hours of instruction at the elementary level and 990 hours of instruction at the secondary level (24 P.S. §1-133).

Questions to Consider

Safety 

• How do we make sure our students and staff are as safe as possible? 
• Have we consulted with local emergency management for information and advice? 
• Should we hold school April 8, 2024, offer a Flexible Instruction Day (FID), or is there another option? 
• Should we cancel after-school events such as athletics, board meetings, and extracurricular activities? 

Dismissal and transportation concerns

• Have we considered how to handle unusual situations caused by the influx of tourists, such as the following:
• Viewers choosing to use school property as a viewing site 

·      Do we modify school dismissal and transportation schedules?

• Safety of students during the dismissal transition 
• Do we need to provide alternate commute options for students and faculty who walk or ride bicycles to school?
• How do we manage changes in traffic patterns that may limit access to schools by parents or emergency vehicles?  

·      Are we working with local law enforcement and other community entities to ensure safe transportation routes?

Communication 

• How and what types of information should be communicated to parents? 

o   Prior to the eclipse  
o   Day of the eclipse (if open or hosting an event) 
o   Transportation changes or delays 

Learning opportunities  

• How do we best ensure our students and staff can safely participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event? 
• How will we take advantage of this phenomenon as a locally relevant learning opportunity for students? Think about the new STEELS (Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability) PA Academic Standards. 
• How many different disciplines provide an opportunity to study or celebrate the eclipse event?
• How could we incorporate multiple sciences, (e.g., anatomy, biology, environmental, earth & space, physics), history, geography, English language arts, science, fine arts, math, geometry, or other content areas?
• What logistics do we need to consider moving our learning outdoors? 
• Will we provide protective eyewear to students and staff? 
• What safety plans will be in place during the event? How will we communicate this to staff/students/community? 

Educator Resources and Activities

The resources listed below are general resources applicable to any school setting and may not be specific to Pennsylvania.

• NSO (National Solar Observatory):Opens In A New Window This project supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) offers a comprehensive resource on the total solar eclipse.
• NASA: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Opens In A New Window NASA's comprehensive eclipse resource that includes: Complete Overview, Safety, Preparation, Where and When, and FAQs.
•  NASA Goddard Video—Different Ways to View a Solar Eclipse:  Do you know there are different ways to view and eclipse? This video by NASA offers several safe ways and tips to view the total eclipse.
• NASA:  How can the little moon hide the giant sun?:Opens In A New Window This simple hands-on activity offers an exploration of how distance can affect the way we perceive the size of an object.

• This WBGU series explores everything about eclipses. From taking a look at the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, to an in-depth and age-appropriate understanding of solar and lunar eclipses. The series addresses the role of Community Preparedness Committees through the eyes of the upcoming total solar eclipse and talk to a Bowling Green State University (BGSU) astronomy professor about their career path. A solar eclipse guideOpens In A New Window is also available.
• The Environmental Education Council of Ohio Opens In A New Windowhas curated a newsletter focused on the 2024 Total Solar EclipseOpens In A New Window. This newsletter has valuable background information for educators, activities to stimulate student and public engagement with the eclipse, and other valuable resources.  
• The Eclipse Watching Information for Principals and Administrators video was created for school administrators and details how unique and transformative viewing the eclipse can be as an educational experience. 
• What School Administrators and Other Education Leaders Need to KnowOpens In A New Window from the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) provides a concise overview to help school leaders understand curricular and safety implications of the 2024 eclipse. 
• The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has a list of vendors selling approved eclipse viewing devicesOpens In A New Window. When using any vendor, check that the product meets the requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard. There may be vendors falsely advertising compliance with this code. See advice from AAS for determining safety.
• Solar Eclipses of 2023 and 2024 A North American “Double-Header" Opens In A New Window is a comprehensive guide for public libraries. It provides information and suggestions for program planning, partnerships, and safe viewing. There are handouts provided in both English and Spanish for the public for both the annular and total eclipse events.  
• NSTA provides Free web seminars accessible from their NSTA Eclipse seminar webpageOpens In A New Window.
• National Geographic has produced a Solar Eclipse 101 video which provides descriptions of the different types of solar eclipses and tips for viewing. 
• More information on the four types of solar eclipses can be found on NASA's four types of solar eclipses webpageOpens In A New Window.
• Read an article about the last total eclipse on June 16, 1806Opens In A New Window.​

Stay Safe and Healthy.

With kind regards,

School Services Office | Pennsylvania Department of Education
607 South Drive, Harrisburg PA 17120
www.education.pa.gov | [email protected]