Agreed! Last eclipse turned me into an umbraphile. I’ve had friends since the 2017 American eclipse say things like “I’m in an area with ~80% - 90% of totality.”
It literally isn’t the same thing at all. The moment of totality is just unreal and has me wanting to chase total eclipses.
Awhile back, I argued to our school district to move spring break for 2024 in order for families to potentially travel for this year’s total eclipse (I live in California), but they wouldn’t consider it. Sadly, I’ll miss it this year.
Also, think for a moment how crazy this is: our moon is exactly the right size to cover the sun exactly (coupled with being exactly far enough away) that we can see this beautiful ring of fire with flares emanating from the sides during the moment of totality.
Absolutely, we saw the eclipse in rural oregon, near Bend, and it was life changing. I still remember the moment quite vividly and I totally got why people chase eclipses all around the world.
My parents home is almost directly in the very center of the totality. The kids will miss that day and the next as we drive 10 hours back home. Definitely looking forward to it and glad they are in grade school so there is no concern about the trade offs of their school assignments to the experience.
I am taking kids out of school for a few days and driving 13 hours to a cabin that I rented on a lake on the centerline. It helps that my 40th birthday is within a couple days of the eclipse.
So our local school board is closing schools for the day - but check out how they communicated it:
----
On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over southern Ontario. The City of Hamilton is expected to experience a deep partial solar eclipse, with the timing of this event presenting a concern for school dismissal. The solar eclipse will begin at approximately 2 p.m. and end around 4:30 p.m.
A total solar eclipse happens when 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. These events can pose potential risks and severe damage to eyesight if proper precautions are not taken. Viewing the sun directly during an eclipse can permanently damage the retina's light-sensitive cells.
In addition to the physical risks associated with directly viewing the solar eclipse, a period of increased darkness will occur. The peak period of darkness (referred to as the mid-eclipse) will occur at approximately 3:20 p.m. This aspect of the eclipse can present safety concerns for students, staff and families during dismissal time.
Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) understands that there are significant risks associated with the unprotected viewing of the solar eclipse and is supportive of HWDSB’s desire to mitigate potential risks. Shifting the P.A. Day is a proactive measure to support the safety and well-being of students, staff and families.
HPHS is working with HWDSB to provide information for families and staff regarding safety considerations. These resources will be shared closer to the P.A. Day on Monday, April 8.
-----
I sent them a letter in response:
-----
I fully support changing the PA Day so that children have a once-in-a-generation, highly educational opportunity to view this incredible celestial event. Describing it as risky and dangerous is just plain weird! There are plenty of dangerous natural phenomena (e.g. the lake that we happen to be situated next to, in which many people drown each year), but rather than frighten people, we educate them on how to safely enjoy them. This is an incredible opportunity to teach kids about solar cycles, space, etc., and something we should all be excited about.
-----
I didn't a response. I'm still completely baffled by this!
It literally isn’t the same thing at all. The moment of totality is just unreal and has me wanting to chase total eclipses.
Awhile back, I argued to our school district to move spring break for 2024 in order for families to potentially travel for this year’s total eclipse (I live in California), but they wouldn’t consider it. Sadly, I’ll miss it this year.
Also, think for a moment how crazy this is: our moon is exactly the right size to cover the sun exactly (coupled with being exactly far enough away) that we can see this beautiful ring of fire with flares emanating from the sides during the moment of totality.