Solar Eclipse Resources
Two solar eclipses are coming to North America!
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An annular eclipse occurs on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
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A total eclipse occurs on Monday, April 8, 2024.
Minnesotans will see partial eclipses for these two events.
Dates and times
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Saturday, October 14, 2023
Partial Annular Eclipse viewing time for Fergus Falls: 10:26 am to 1:06 pm
Maximum View: 11:44 am
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Monday, April 8, 2024
Partial Eclipse viewing time for Fergus Falls: 12:49 pm to 3:10 pm
Maximum View: 2:00 pm
Find times for other locations at https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/
Safe solar viewing tips
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Never look directly at the Sun. You can seriously hurt your eyes, and even go blind. Proper eye protection, like eclipse glasses or a special solar filter, is the only safe option. Sunglasses don't work.
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These methods are safe:
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Solar Viewing Glasses are safe, too. If you normally wear glasses, put the solar viewing glasses on over your normal glasses.
Activities
Find instructions and templates for these ideas - and several others - at
https://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/180-solar-eclipse-activities-for-libraries
For English template, print two-sided, flipped on the long edge.
Instructions available in Spanish
For Spanish template, print two-sided, flipped on the short edge.
Classroom resources
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Slide presentation for teachers
Developed by Bookmobile Librarian and former science teacher John Van Kampen
- Send an email request for a PDF or mp4 video. Please specify preferred format.
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Solar eclipse Mini Lessons, Interactives, and Lesson Plans
Ready-to-go materials developed by My NASA Data educators
Free downloadable guide: Solar Eclipses of 2023 and 2024: A North American “Double-Header”: A Guide for Public Libraries and Their Communities
Although geared to libraries, this 35-page guide includes great information for teachers and families, with chapters on the science of solar eclipses, safe solar viewing, eclipse event ideas, and additional eclipse resources.
Double-sided handout (8.5x5.5")
Ready-to-print Word document with two images on each side for two handouts per sheet
"What Happens in a Solar Eclipse" diagram and "Safe Solar Viewing" tips
The Bookmobile and public libraries in Viking Library System are distributing free safe solar viewing glasses.*
Supplies are limited.
The only way to safely view the Sun – eclipsed or not – is to either project or filter the Sun's rays.
Image credits and safety tips: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/eclipse-tips-safety.html
