Partial Solar Eclipse  April 8th 2024

Just the facts: 

• On April 8th 2024 between 2:10PM and 4:35PM the Moon will cover about 90% of the Sun from our perspective here in the Methacton Community.  The Sun will be most covered (@90%) at 3:23PM. 

• You can NOT look directly at the Sun (even when it is 90% covered) without the proper safety equipment such as Eclipse Glasses (NOT SUNGLASSES).  More about eclipse safety can be found at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/  The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has an extensive list of reputable solar eclipse glasses manufactures on their site HERE.  Before purchasing eclipse glasses online it is a good idea to see if the manufacture is listed on the AAS site.  

• To see where you would have to travel to see the TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, where the Moon completely blocks the Sun visit and interactive map at: https://eclipse2024.org/eclipse_cities/statemap.html 

• To see a listing of future eclipses visible from out community visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/norristown 

Want More?

Interactive Maps:

Eclipse Interactive Map:  Path of totality map of North America.  Zoom in and out to see where the Total Eclipse will be seen.  Click on any location to see a simulation of what will be seen, from that location, on April 8th.  

Simulation Lower Providence Simulates what will be visible at any time in Lower Providence on April 8th.  Sliders allow you to move through time and zoom in on the sun.  

Incase of Clouds (BOOOOO) or for Indoor Viewing: 

Link to NASA Livestream (1PM-4PM): https://go.nasa.gov/2EXB6dx

NASA TV Live YouTube Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21X5lGlDOfg 

More Videos About Eclipses:

Astronomy Crash Course Eclipse Video (10:31): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRgua7xceDA 

Scishow Space: How Ancient Babylonians Predicted Eclipses (6:40): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICBj_FqqTc8 

Smarter Every Day: Eclipses (22:55): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNK2LI7VeX4 

Lies About Solar Eclipses You Should Never Believe (11:43): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqNAiZf2N7E

Ideas for Possible Activities:   By no means a complete list - Googling will produce a plethora of results 

Collect information/observations about how nature responds to the eclipse.  Go out and listen to the sounds of animals and bugs before the eclipse then see if you notice anything different late into the eclipse

Eclipse/Space Themed Printables (Wordsearch, maze, coloring) https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Solar-Eclipse-Printables.pdf 

Build Pinhole Projectors: There are a few different types that require different amounts of materials and skill levels to use.  They may take a little practice to learn to use successfully.  

YouTube Video from Goddard Space Center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI1ttQxXt5s 

Resource Page from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL): https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/#:~:text=Light%20from%20the%20Sun%20enters,that%20passed%20through%20the%20pinhole. 

Another Resource for Pinhole Projector: https://science.nasa.gov/resource/eclipse-cereal-box-viewer/?category=eclipse_activities 

Paper Plate Decorative Face Shield for eclipse glasses: 

https://science.nasa.gov/learn/heat/resource/eclipse-essentials-safe-and-stylish-solar-eclipse-glasses/?category=heat 

How the Little Moon Blocks the Giant Sun:

https://science.nasa.gov/resource/how-can-the-little-moon-hide-the-giant-sun/?category=eclipse_activities

Model Eclipse Shadows: (Mr. Chantry may have some materials available for this one)  https://science.nasa.gov/learn/heat/resource/modeling-meaningful-eclipses/?category=heat 

UV Sensitive Bead Exploration: (Not for the faint of heart - materials and prep work required - but cool!)

Can be modified to a less intense exploration and material requirement. https://science.nasa.gov/resource/experimenting-with-uv-sensitive-beads/?category=eclipse_activities