Dear North Penn Families,
We are reaching out today to provide you with important information and guidance regarding the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. This is a rare and exciting astronomical event that presents a unique opportunity for students to learn about science, space, and the wonders of the natural world. The last time Pennsylvania was in direct line with a total eclipse was 1806. While the path is somewhat westwardly oriented in comparison to the last total eclipse, much of Pennsylvania will lie within the paths of totality or partial totality. Unfortunately, our area will not see a total eclipse; however, it will be over 90% totality.
To ensure the safety of and enhance the educational value of this event for the students, Merck West Point is generously providing 14,000 eclipse viewing glasses. These glasses meet the recommended safety requirements for the event and are manufactured within the ISO 12312-2 standard. Individuals should always use eclipse glasses to view the sun during an eclipse. 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 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.
AS A REMINDER, **NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR**
For more safety information on viewing a solar eclipse, please use this link. Additionally, the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) has some additional information about the event here. The bottom of the webpage has some useful information relating to what will be seen during the Solar Eclipse and proper eye protection.
Before the eclipse, students will be watching a video created by the North Penn High School Astronomy Club. This video will review what a solar eclipse is while also reviewing the safety precautions. As a follow up to the video, North Penn staff will be reviewing the safety procedures with the students before the eclipse on Monday, April 8th.
NPSD is grateful for Merck’s sponsorship in Experience the 2024 eclipse through the eyes of Merck West Point: A partnership between the North Penn School District and Merck West Point to provide 14,000 pairs of solar eclipse viewing glasses, allowing everyone within the school district to witness a truly exceptional and historically significant event in a safe manner.
Even with providing students with solar eclipse viewing glasses and reviewing safety procedures, we understand that families may still have concerns with having their child view the solar eclipse. If you would not like your child to participate in viewing the solar eclipse on April 8th, please contact your child’s teacher and principal by Friday, April 5th.
TIMELINE for the Solar Eclipse in our area:
2:00 PM: The eclipse phase sequence will begin around 2:00 p.m. (EST). As the Moon's orbit begins to travel in between the Sun and Earth, appearing as a dark shadow increasingly moving into the bright sphere of the sun.
3:00 PM: When the Moon is covering most of the Sun, watch for the ambient light to change and grow dimmer. The change will become more pronounced in the last 15 minutes before totality. The light may look eerie or strange. Even if it's cloudy and you can't see the Sun, the skies will still grow darker.
3:15 PM – 3:20 PM: Within the path of totality, the total eclipse phase as the Moon completely covers the Sun's surface. The sky will darken much like dawn or dusk for the short duration of the total eclipse.
3:20 PM – 4:30 PM: The phases of the solar eclipse will be played out in reverse.
4:30 PM: The visible eclipse effects will conclude around 4:30 p.m. in Pennsylvania.