A total solar eclipse is set to take place on Monday, April 8th. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon is positioned directly in front of the sun, blocking all light from it. Total solar eclipses are incredibly rare, with the last one in the US happening in 2017.

Minnesota will not be in the path of totality, so OHS will only see only a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse is set to begin at around 12:50 pm and apex at around 2:00 pm. In order to celebrate the eclipse, OHS will be taking off period 7 to view the eclipse.

Here is the schedule for period 7:

1:42 pm – Check in with your period 7 teacher.
1:42 pm – 1:50 pm – Review a safety presentation regarding the eclipse with your teacher.
1:50 pm – 2:30 pm – Go outside and watch the solar eclipse.
2:45 pm – Viewing options for students will begin to cease.

It is very important that students do not look directly at the eclipse because it can cause severe eye damage. Students will be offered a variety of ways to view the eclipse that will be outlined during the safety presentation prior to the eclipse, so students should not worry about being able to watch it. The next total solar eclipse over the continental US will not happen until 2044, so make sure you get outside and watch it!

* Update *

The total solar eclipse viewing activities have been canceled due to cloudy weather.