The countdown continues as we inch closer to the total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024. Although the event is still months away, several school districts and universities have already announced that they will be dismissing students early to watch the event.

Gannon University's Physics Professor Dr. David Horne is working to educate both the student body and the general public ahead of the total solar eclipse. He tells us that totality and solar eclipse are terms you do not want to confuse this April.

"The eclipse technically starts at 2:02 p.m. You're not going to tell that the eclipse has started. It is going to look just like the normal bright sun in the sky," said Dr. Horne. "The whole eclipse doesn't end until 4:30 p.m. The only bit that you are really interested in is totality. That's the bit you can look at with your eyes safely." 

Being in the path of totality is a once in a lifetime event. The next time Erie will be in the path of totality is 2144.

"It's an inspirational event for people," said Horne. "It's a big, spectacular, astronomical event. Unlike most astronomy events, this happens during the day, so you don't have to stay up late at night."

 Some schools are using the eclipse as a teaching tool in the classroom to keep students engaged throughout the year.

"We can talk about not just science, but in terms of history. We can take a look at what Columbus did when he first came over and the eclipse happened during that time. We can talk about math and the time that it's going to take to cross the surface of the sun and all that kind of stuff," said Rolling Ridge Elementary School Principal Jesse Williams.

The theme of this school year at Rolling Ridge is "All about Space". Lessons are incorporating the eclipse from now until the main event in April. 

To learn more about Gannon's education program on the solar eclipse, click here.