Aldine ISD Schools to Host Solar Eclipse Watch Parties; NASA Astronaut to Visit 4 Campuses Ahead of the Celestial Event

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Students at campuses across the district will head outdoors on April 8 to view a solar eclipse.

Educators are seizing upon this celestial spectacle as a unique educational opportunity, infusing lessons with excitement and curiosity.

Tracy Mansfield, executive director of mathematics and science, shared plans to engage students in this rare event, which includes educational resources about a solar eclipse, such as hands-on activities and model simulations that illustrate the mechanics of the eclipse.

“This is a unique experience they’re getting,” Mansfield remarked. “We are excited to experience a dazzling partial eclipse visible from Houston. While we won’t experience the complete darkness of a total eclipse, students will still witness a significant portion of the sun being covered by the moon, creating a dramatic darkening of the sky and a fascinating crescent shape.”

Eclipse Schedule on April 8

The partial eclipse starts at 12:20 p.m. and peaks at 1:40 p.m., lasting until 3:01 p.m.

Viewing the Eclipse Safely

While safe viewing with protective eyewear is crucial for any eclipse, it’s vital during a partial eclipse. Remember, even a sliver of the sun can damage your eyes if not viewed properly.

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are unsafe for looking at the Sun; they transmit far more sunlight than is safe for our eyes. Solar viewers should be verified to comply with the transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

The Solar Eclipse in AISD

Mansfield stated that solar eclipse watches are encouraged but optional, leaving it open to campus-specific plans. She added that the district will distribute viewing glasses that students can share to get “a chance to witness the wonders of astronomy in action.”

NASA Meet the Astronaut Events on April 3

Mansfield emphasized the educational value embedded in this astronomical event. Through a partnership with NASA, they provide some viewers and bring an astronaut for a meet and greet to the four campuses below:

NASA Astronaut Schedule

9-9:20 a.m. Plummer Middle School
9:30-9:50 a.m. Griggs EC/PreK/K School
10-10:20 a.m. Spence Elementary School
10:30-10:50 a.m. Davis High School

NASA will bring some solar viewing glasses to campus visits so students can share them to view the eclipse.

“No matter how you choose to experience it, the eclipse on April 8 promises to be a memorable event,” Mansfield added. “We are encouraging schools to plan their viewing adventure so that their staff and students can witness the wonders of astronomy in action!”