(Photo Credit: Local 3 News) From Local 3 News: Schools in Bradley County will dismiss classes early Monday, April 8 for the partial solar eclipse.
(Photo Credit: Local 3 News)
From Local 3 News: Schools in Bradley County will dismiss classes early Monday, April 8 for the partial solar eclipse.
The decision was made “In response to safety concerns associated with the upcoming partial solar eclipse,” and to allow students to experience the eclipse.
But the eclipse won’t be a total one, since the closest the path of totality will be some 260 miles away in the very northwest corner of Tennessee. In the Tennessee Valley, it won’t be the same as the total solar eclipse we enjoyed in 2017.
In 2017, most of the Tennessee Valley plunged into near darkness as the moon nearly covered the sun. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For 2024, the eclipse will begin at about 1:45pm ET (in Chattanooga). At the maximum point, at about 3:04pm ET, 90% of the sun will be covered, and the sky will dim slightly, but won’t go totally dark.
The eclipse will end at about 4:21pm ET, and all will go back to normal for the skies.
But for anyone watching the eclipse, proper protection is important. Use eclipse glasses; sunglasses are not dark enough to protect your eyes and can results in permanent damage.
