A Message from the Science and Engineering Department with Solar Eclipse Educational Resources
This coming Monday, August 21, a total eclipse of the sun will pass across the continental U.S. for the first time in almost a century. The path of “totality” – where the sun will be completely blocked by the moon – will run from Oregon to South Carolina. Millions of people are planning trips to destinations along that path so they can experience this rare and awe-inspiring astronomical event.
While Moorestown Friends School is not within the path of totality, don’t worry — we’ll still get a pretty good show! Moorestown and the surrounding region of New Jersey and Pennsylvania will experience a peak of approximately 75% blockage around 2:30 p.m. that day.
BE SAFE! Never look directly at the sun without proper protective eyewear! You really can permanently damage your retina and possibly become blinded. Please read this article for ways to ensure eclipse glasses are actually safe for viewing the eclipse (unfortunately vendors have been selling items that can result in permanent eyesight damage if used to look at the sun).
We hope these online Solar Eclipse Educational Resources will also be helpful:
- Refer to the NASA eclipse site for comprehensive information, including the science behind the event, safety tips, educational activities, and more.
- The Eclipse Megamovie Simulator allows you to see what the eclipse looks like at any place around the country.
- CNN’s eclipse coverage offers many items of interest, including a section about how animals react to an eclipse. It will even include a 360-degree VR feature on Monday!
- This interactive map offers an extremely detailed way to explore the path of totality
When the school year resumes, share your pictures and stories of your experiences for a bulletin board that will take shape in the Science hallway.