Total Solar Eclipse
April 8, 2024
Eanes ISD students will have the chance to immerse themselves in the unusual experience of witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse. The prime time for eclipse viewing in our region is slated between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m on April 8th, 2024.
Thanks to the Eanes Education Foundation, we have secured glasses for all students and staff, generously donated by Stephanie & Brett Dyer, owners of Nightlight Insurance Agency and maintaining a distribution ratio of one per person throughout the district.
Continue reading to learn more about this unique event, including what’s going on around Eanes ISD:
Eanes ISD Plan
Eanes ISD schools will operate on a regular schedule Monday, April 8, 2024.
The Curriculum Department, Campus Administrators, and EEF have collaboratively ensured the acquisition of sufficient safety glasses for all students and staff, preparing for this unparalleled learning experience.
To enrich this unique opportunity, the elementary and secondary teams are in the process of crafting engaging lessons and learning activities. Campus administrators and teachers are empowered with the flexibility to present this event in a manner that best resonates with their specific community's needs. For more tailored information, please reach out to your respective campus. Remember, the prime viewing time for our area is scheduled between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., ensuring an optimal experience for everyone involved.
Parents who do not want their child(ren) to view the eclipse outdoors must complete this Opt-Out form. Those students will be supervised by staff and can view the eclipse through a NASA live stream. Unless otherwise documented, absences will be counted as unexcused on April 8.
Solar Safety
It is crucial to understand the importance of wearing specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing to ensure your safety during this event. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the NASA safety guidelines regarding solar viewing.
Remember, looking directly at the Sun without specialized solar viewing eye protection is unsafe. Using a camera, binoculars, or a telescope without a proper solar filter can cause immediate and severe eye damage. For this reason we will require all students to wear their specialized eye protection through the totality of viewing the eclipse.
To assist with understanding the correct usage of eclipse glasses, NASA has provided a series of instructive GIFs demonstrating how and when to securely put on and remove these glasses, ensuring everyone can enjoy this spectacular celestial event safely.
Historical Significance
The total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8, 2024, marks a significant celestial event, as it will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until the year 2044. An extraordinary aspect of this eclipse is that Texas is at the forefront in terms of population size within the totality zone, with an impressive 12 million Texans poised to experience this rare phenomenon directly.
The eclipse will make its entry into Texas at the international border precisely at 1:27 p.m. CDT and will proceed to exit the state at the borders with Oklahoma and Arkansas at 1:49 p.m. CDT.
As it traverses Texas, the velocity of the Moon's shadow will increase from about 1580 miles per hour to approximately 1850 miles per hour, adding an element of awe to the spectacle.
Observers should also anticipate a noticeable temperature drop during the eclipse, by roughly 10 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 5 degrees Celsius), though the exact change may vary based on local humidity levels and cloud coverage. This atmospheric cooling adds another layer of intrigue to the eclipse experience, illustrating the profound impact of celestial events on our planet's environment.
Resources for Learning/Activities At Home
NASA 3D Interactive Experience
3D Eclipse Path and Visibility
Great American Eclipse Article