Total Solar Eclipse in Syracuse
Total Solar Eclipse in Syracuse!
On August 21, 2017, Syracuse will be in the path of a total solar eclipse. This event is being called “The Great American Solar Eclipse,” because it is the first time since 1918 a solar eclipse will be visible on a path across the entire continental United States.
For many of us, viewing a total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In fact, the last two total solar eclipses visible from Nebraska occurred in 1954 and 1869. The next two total solar eclipses visible from Nebraska will not take place until 2106 and 2178.
Syracuse is one of a few communities in the entire country that is in the path of totality. Planning is already underway to ensure our students can safely experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. Through the generosity of Peru State College, SDA is obtaining eclipse-safe viewing glasses for all students and staff.
Every total eclipse of the Sun begins and ends with a partial eclipse. The partial phases require either a projection technique or a special solar filter to be viewed safely. Here in Syracuse the partial eclipse will begin at 11:38 a.m. and last until 2:30 p.m. The total eclipse will last for about one minute and 20 seconds beginning at 1:03 p.m. During the few brief moments of total eclipse, when the Sun's disk is completely covered by the Moon, it is safe to look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or through a telescope or binoculars.
Safety is always a top priority at SDA. We will take all precautionary measures with both students and staff to make this experience both safe and enjoyable. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. Students will not be permitted to look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars or other optical devices, without eclipse-safe glasses. (For more information regarding solar eclipse safety, please visit https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety)
Because of these safety concerns, a permission form with a parent signature is required to be completed and returned by August 21 in order for students to participate using the eclipse glasses. Students whose parents either do not complete this form or choose to opt out their child will participate in alternative activities from inside the school building during the eclipse.
For your convenience permission forms are located at the link above and available HERE. Permission forms will also be made available during Open House on Monday, August 14.
Here at SDA we are excited about the start of a new school year as well as the opportunity for our students and staff to experience a total solar eclipse! Let’s all cross our figures for clear skies on August 21!