Eclipse Concerns Prompt Camden Co. School District To Close Early
In recent years, schools have shifted schedules for a pandemic, air pollution and extreme heat. Add an extraterrestrial threat to that list. The Camden County school district in Pennsauken, New Jersey, will close early on April 8 due to concerns about a total solar eclipse that could cause serious eye damage. The eclipse is predicted to become visible in the region mid-afternoon when students are dismissed from school. While not in the direct path of the eclipse, NASA has advised that viewing without proper eye protection is still unsafe. It is unclear whether many New Jersey school districts will follow this lead. Schools across the country, particularly in the eclipse's path of totality, have also shifted their schedules due to this potential event. After April 8, there won't be another total solar Eclipse for another 20 years.
Published : a month ago by Josh Bakan in Weather Environment
PENNSAUKEN, NJ — In recent years, schools have closed or modified schedules because of extreme heat, a pandemic and air pollution. A Camden County school district will add an extraterrestrial threat to the list.
Pennsauken Public Schools will close early April 8 because of the total solar eclipse, which is predicted to become visible in the region mid-afternoon, when students are normally dismissed from school. "The Solar Eclipse is a safety concern for our students because directly viewing the sun during an eclipse without proper certified eye protection can cause serious eye damage," wrote Superintendent Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi.
New Jersey isn't in the direct path of the eclipse, but the Garden State will still see some blockage of the sun — it just won't be as dramatic. Nonetheless, NASA advises that viewing the eclipse without proper eye protection is still unsafe.
The eclipse will reach the Pennsauken area just after 2 p.m. and remain visible until just after 4:30 p.m., according to NASA.
It's uncertain whether many New Jersey school districts will follow suit. Livingston schools will close early and cancel after-school activities. Schools across the nation — especially those in the eclipse's path of totality — have also shifted their schedules, while many are also taking advantage of the teachable moment. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the sun. After April 8, there won't be another total solar eclipse for another 20 years.