Reminders and Tips for Safe Viewing
As Monday’s return to school approaches, and with it, the excitement of that day’s partially viewable solar eclipse, we wish to share some details on the event and eclipse-viewing safety.
While California is not on the direct path of totality for the eclipse, we will experience some of its visual effects. In Downey Unified, we will be able to see the Moon cover approximately 49% of the sun’s area and this will be the last eclipse that is viewable in the U.S. for more than 20 years.
The maximum eclipse view is expected at 11:12 a.m., PDT, although the entire event will take place from approximately 10:06 a.m. to 12:21 p.m., according to Griffiths Observatory.
Many of our teachers will be using the event as a learning opportunity for our students throughout the day, including the time when the eclipse is occurring.
In anticipation of the eclipse, we would like to share a few important safety tips that we ask you to also share with your student(s):
- Do NOT look directly at the eclipse. Unless you have eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2:2015 standards, regular sunglasses are not sufficient for use.
- Use proper solar filters on any cameras and binoculars. Avoid the use of homemade filters or any other substitute for eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers.
- If you don’t have eclipse glasses, consider using indirect viewing methods (such as a pinhole projector) to safely observe the eclipse.
More information on the eclipse and helpful safety tips are available at https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety.
School sites will also share reminders of these safe viewing tips on Monday morning. We look forward to experiencing this rare event with our students and the Downey Unified community.