On Monday, we will witness a stellar event! However, we want to shed some light on do's and don'ts with a Solar Eclipse as this will be taking place around dismissal time! A partial solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024, and will be visible in Dorchester County.
The eclipse will begin at approximately 2:00 pm and end around 4:30 pm, with maximum coverage at around 3:20 pm. The day of the eclipse will be a regular school day for Dorchester County Public Schools, and we urge families to remind their children about the following safety tips:
- Never look directly at the sun, especially during a solar eclipse. It is dangerous and can cause permanent eye damage. Do not look at the sun through sunglasses, binoculars, or telescopes.
- Anyone using special viewing glasses or filters should only use those that conform to all International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
- If you purchase special viewing glasses, ensure they are from reputable manufacturers. There have been reports of counterfeit products labeled as if they conform to international safety standards. The American Astronomical Society, whose products are known to conform to ISO standards, provides a list of reputable companies that conform to safety standards.
- Further interesting information about solar eclipses can be found on NASA’s website at: 2024 Total Eclipse (nasa.gov).
