On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with possible impacts in our area between 12:35 pm and 3:13 pm.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. In the Path of Totality, the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Pensacola will NOT experience a total solar eclipse as we are NOT in the path of totality. From Pensacola, only 80% of the sun will be eclipsed by the moon. Our skies will NOT darken significantly and will appear normal throughout the eclipse window. The sun will remain bright and should NOT be viewed directly at any time.
All outdoor activities not approved by school principals will be suspended during these times, and school personnel will review with students proper safety protocols during the eclipse. Approved activities will vary by school and teacher and can include viewing the eclipse through approved eyewear and/or viewing the eclipse indirectly using pinhole projection. Teachers have received training on these topics.
ECPS would urge families to review with their students some solar eclipse safety basics:
Always supervise children using solar viewers.
Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.
