Students to witness historic total solar eclipse on April 8

On Monday, April 8, North America will experience a total solar eclipse, and North Texas is positioned to witness one of the best possible views of the eclipse because of the path of the moon.

To provide students and staff with the ability to watch the event free of harm to the eyes, special eclipse glasses will be provided to every student and staff member thanks to the support of local businesses and organizations. The Northwest ISD Education Foundation and the Perot Museum graciously donated more than 35,000 glasses, which provide the ability to safely view the solar eclipse both in advance of the eclipse occurring and throughout the historic experience.

Beginning at about 12:23 p.m., North Texas will experience a partial solar eclipse, which will then transition into a total solar eclipse at about 1:45 p.m. NASA projects the total solar eclipse to last about 4 minutes, though the partial solar eclipse will last about two and a half hours. Schools will provide students with the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse shortly before it begins.

Prior to the day of the eclipse, students will have time to learn more about the science of the eclipse. Depending on the grade level and content, lessons will be shared with teachers to use with their students to explore this phenomenon.

The total solar eclipse represents a rare occasion, as the next total solar eclipse visible in the United States won’t occur for another 20 years. Because of the path of the moon, the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse in North Texas represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience.