April 8, 2024 Eclipse Information
The Dover Area School District is sharing information with families regarding the 2024 Total Eclipse, which is likely to occur on Monday, April 8, 2024, between 2:05 and 4:33 pm, so you are prepared. As you may know, a total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. This exciting scientific and educational event will not happen again for many years!
Dover may see 91% sun coverage at 3:21 pm. Due to the timing of the eclipse, the High School and Middle School dismissals will not be affected. If parents of elementary school children would be more comfortable, they may consider picking children up after 2:30 pm, as maximum percent coverage is scheduled for Dover at 3:21 pm. A note will be required by Friday, April 5, from parents who wish to pick up their children at 2:30 on Monday, April 8.
Eye Safety
The American Astronomical Society recommends that any eclipse-viewing eyewear be non-scratchable, ISO 12321-2, and CE-certified. Please see the instructions (below) for information on how to use solar eclipse eyewear safely.
Solar Eclipse Eyewear Instructions:
- BEFORE EACH USE: Check the front and back of each lens for damage such as scratches, pinholes, or separation from the frame. If damaged, cut into small pieces and discard. DO NOT attempt to clean or disinfect (under general conditions of use, this should not be necessary).
- INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: Wear your solar eclipse eyewear to protect your eyes from solar radiation when looking directly at the sun or the sun's reflection. When looking at a solar eclipse, use your eclipse eyewear whenever ANY PART of the Sun, no matter how small, is visible. This product should not be used with other optical appliances such as cameras, telescopes, or binoculars. This product is NOT a toy and should be utilized with adult supervision.
- WARNING: Never look at the sun without special eye protection. DO NOT USE IF DAMAGED. Using damaged eclipse eyewear can result in severe eye injury.
Thanks to elementary PTOs, individual and corporate donors, and Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12, all elementary students will be sent home with a pair of ISO 12321-2 and CE-certified glasses or a viewer to be used safely at home with their families under the direction of parents.
There are many informative resources available for families who wish to learn more about this event:
- NASA Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
NASA has provided a quick and easy-to-read guide to the upcoming eclipse:
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/faq/
- NASA Eclipse Explorer
Type in your zip code to see when the solar eclipse will occur near you:
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when
- NASA Guide to Solar Eclipse Safety
For more information on how to observe and enjoy the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse safely, please visit this website:
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/
- Pennsylvania Department of Education 2024 Solar Eclipse
Good overall information that is Pennsylvania Specific:
https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/SolarEclipse/Pages/default.aspx
