On Monday, April 8, Maryland will experience a partial solar eclipse between 2 and 4:30 p.m., with peak timing around 3:20 p.m. During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the light of the Sun, causing a shadow over Earth. On Monday, there will be about 90% coverage in Maryland which will cause it to become darker outside.  

 

This timing occurs during school dismissal times in Charles County Public Schools (CCPS). The school system will operate on a normal schedule on Monday, April 8. However, during the eclipse outdoor CCPS activities taking place in Charles County other than student dismissals will be deferred until 4:30 p.m. or later.

 

The James E. Richmond Science Center is hosting a free eclipse viewing event, “Our Sky Today,” on April 8 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The Science Center is located at 5305 Piney Church Road in Waldorf. Event parking will be available on the gymnasium/poolside entrance of St. Charles High School.  

 

Along with the outdoor viewing event, which will include viewing stations, the Science Center will also offer a solar eclipse informational program in the planetarium. Seating in the planetarium may be limited due to event participation, as the space accommodates 170 visitors.

 

Additionally, ISO-certified eclipse glasses will be available at the Science Center for purchase for $4, but supplies are limited. To RSVP for the event, visit https://sciencecenter.ccboe.com/dome-shows/sky-shows. An RSVP does not include eclipse glasses.

 

The Science Center has facts about the solar eclipse, as well as safety tips, on its website at https://sciencecenter.ccboe.com/dome-shows/sky-shows.  

 

Families, staff, parents and students should be aware of the following safety tips provided by NASA.

 

• Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. 

• Anyone using special viewing glasses should use ones that are International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certified. Such glasses are recommended by the American Astronomical Society (AAS). A list of AAS recommended glasses vendors, as well as other helpful solar eclipse viewing tips, is posted at https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety. 

Families, staff, students and community members can safely view the eclipse through a NASA livestream at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/live/.

 

Additional information about how to safely view a solar eclipse is posted at https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety.