Douglas Schools To Delay Release For Eclipse

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Students at Douglas County public schools will be held in class for a little longer 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 metro Atlanta is expected between 2:35-2:40 p.m. that day and will last about two minutes.

Schools spokesman Neil Boggs noted that the eclipse falls during regularly scheduled elementary school transportation times. On August 21, elementary schools will dismiss at 3:30 p.m., while middle and high schools will dismiss at 4:30 p.m.

"Since safety is our first priority, this delayed dismissal will ensure that neither students nor employees are on the roadways during the time of the eclipse," Boggs said in a news release. "All schools will follow normally scheduled start times on August 21."

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

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.

Douglas County schools offered up the following eclipse resources:

• An interactive eclipse map that allows you to select your location and see the calculated eclipse times and duration of annularity for that location.
• The American Astronomical Society has created How to Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse and has posted eclipse glasses and social viewer information.
• Kindergarten to 2nd grade: Solar Eclipse with Dr. Binocs Educational Show and How Can the Little Moon Hide the Giant Sun?
• All grades: Resource Guide For the 2017 Solar Eclipse

• For more information and resources visit NASA's site on the eclipse.
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