Solar Eclipse: Atlanta Public Schools Will Keep Students 30 Minutes: ICYMI

ATLANTA, GA -- Atlanta Public Schools will extend its day on August 21 for the solar eclipse, Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen told Patch. The celestial event will be the first time in nearly a century that a solar eclipse will be visible from coast to coast.

Anyone in the path of totality, visible from Oregon to South Carolina, will be able to see the sun's atmosphere -- the carona -- around the moon for a period of time, according to NASA. (SIGN UP: For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. Or if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Carstarphen said that all students will be equipped with solar glasses and that the school day will be extended so that the event can be witnessed together by the APS community.

"We're getting all the kids the appropriate eyewear," she said. "We want them to see it."

Carstarphen said that she has an affinity for the stars, so she will be right there enjoying the sight with the students. "I'm a big stargazer. I really am," she said.

APS has created a teacher toolkit about the eclipse containing grade-specific activities and safety tips. Also, APS will integrate eclipse-related activities and exercises into the day's lessons. Schools will be sharing their experiences related to the eclipse on social media with the hashtag #APSeclipse.

Cobb Schools Will Delay Students' Release During Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon's shadow crosses the Earth's surface, temporarily obscuring it. The phenomenon is considered rare, however, if by chance you miss this one, the next annular solar eclipse visible in the continental United States will be on October 14, 2023 and on April 8, 2024, according to NASA.

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