KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County Schools said Monday that April 8 would be a half-day for students, so they would have a chance to watch a partial solar eclipse.
The path of totality for the eclipse hits the western edge of Tennessee, so people in Knox County will not be able to see a total eclipse when it comes on April 8. However, people will have the chance to a partial solar eclipse in Knox County during the afternoon.
The partial eclipse is expected to start at around 1:49 p.m. Eastern Time, reaching its maximum at around 3:07 p.m. The eclipse is expected to end in Knox County at around 4:23 p.m. At its peak, around 88% of the sun should be eclipsed in East Tennessee.
KCS said it would provide educational materials and solar glasses so students could safely watch the partial eclipse with their families.
On half-days, elementary school students are normally dismissed at 11:15 a.m. in Knox County. Middle school students are normally dismissed at 12 p.m. along with most high school students. Students at Career Magnet Academy and L&N STEM Academy are released at 1 p.m. on half-days.
