Gwinnett Schools To Delay Release For Solar Eclipse (ICYMI)

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Students at Gwinnett County public schools will be held in class for an extra hour on August 21, when a solar eclipse is expected to briefly darken skies in the area.

The eclipse, which is expected to nearly completely block out the sun's light in Gwinnett County is expected between 2:35-2:40 p.m. that day and will last about two minutes.

"As dismissal for Gwinnett high school students occurs shortly after 2 p.m. and the first tier of elementary school students are released at 2:45 p.m., the district felt a one-hour delay in dismissal would allow for better supervision of students during the eclipse," system spokeswoman Sloan Roach said in a written statement.

NASA has advised motorists to avoid traveling during the mid-day darkness the eclipse will cause.

Gwinnett schools are planning special lessons to coincide with the eclipse.

In cities along a band from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina, only the shimmering corona of the sun will be visible as the moon completely masks the sun. Each of the Lower 48 states will be plunged in at least partial darkness for a few moments between late morning and early afternoon in what NASA is calling the “Great American Eclipse.”

Total Solar Eclipse Aug. 21, 2017: All You Need To Know
Regardless of how much sunlight is blocked out, the eclipse is one of those “see it, but don’t see it” events. In other words, don’t look directly at the sun, except during totality — which elapses so quickly that it’s not a good idea, even then. Looking directly at a solar eclipse, whether total or partial, can seriously and permanently injure your eyes.
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