Total solar eclipse to cast PA day for Peterborough-area students in April 2024
Global News
NASA says a total solar eclipse occurs as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The next total solar eclipse will be on April 8, 2024.
Citing safety concerns, students throughout the Peterborough area will not be in school when a total solar eclipse passes over North America in early April 2024.
The next total solar eclipse is on April 8, 2024. According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.
“The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk,” NASA states.
On Tuesday during separate board meetings, trustees with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board voted in favour of moving a professional activity (PA) day that each had scheduled for April 26 to Monday, April 8. Students will have the day off from school.
The school boards note all regions will be impacted by diminished levels of daylight as the total solar eclipse will be visible from Canada to Mexico. The eclipse is expected in Ontario from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
NASA notes it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
“Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury,” stated NASA.
