Talawanda Students to View Eclipse

Today, on Aug. 21, 2017, everyone in the United States will have the opportunity to witness what people are calling “The Great American Solar Eclipse.” The last time this was possible was in 1918. In the Talawanda District staff are allowing students to venture outside if a permission waiver has been signed by a parent or guardian.  These students, and millions more, will witness the moon’s interruption our daylight.   From Oxford, Ohio, about ten percent of the sun’s light will still be visible.  For others across the country, there will be around two minutes of darkness engulfing the path of totality from the northwest corner to the southeastern coast of the United States.  

Despite relatively complete darkness, it is recommended to community members, and required of students, that the solar eclipse not be viewed by the naked eye. Talawanda High School Chemistry and Physics teacher, Heidi Schran, says that the eclipse “doesn’t make [the sun] any more dangerous,” but staring at it for too long can “kill cells in your retina.” According to Beth Mole, Ars Technica health reporter: “once retina tissue is destroyed, it cannot regenerate.” Schran also recommended that instead of trying to capture the moment, people enjoy the eclipse and retrieve photos from professionals off of the internet after the fact. Images will be available at www.nasa.gov.       

Featured image from nasa.gov