AUSTIN, Texas — For less than five minutes on April 8, parts of Central Texas will turn dark in the middle of the afternoon at approximately 1:36 p.m.
The 2024 total solar eclipse is only visible in certain parts of the world, including in the Austin area.
To celebrate this rare phenomenon, some Central Texas school districts are giving students and staff the day off.
Here are the districts that have called cancelled classes so far:
In addition, Texas State University announced that they are suspending classes scheduled from noon until 2 p.m. on April 8 to "celebrate the unique learning experience offered by the total solar eclipse. The University of Texas at Austin is also suspending classes on April 8.
Manor ISD posted to its website with the official announcement declaring April 8 a student holiday.
"The decision came after consulting with local city organizations, Travis County Emergency Management, and the Manor Police Department and assessing the predicted extreme traffic conditions during the afternoon and evening of the eclipse," the website stated in part.
The district expects there to be high volumes of traffic, particularly at 3 p.m. April 8 on U.S. Route 290.
While students are scheduled to be off this day, all staff members are required to work in-person until at least noon, where supervisors can then decide whether they can finish their work day at the school or remote.
Burnet ISD also called off April 8, as posted to the district's 2023-2024 school year calendar. The eclipse date is considered a holiday for students and staff, as approved last year by the Board of Trustees.
On March 7, Hays CISD was the most recent district to call off for the eclipse despite previous plans to have a regular school day.
The district released the following statement:
"This decision comes at the request of county and emergency management officials. The Central Texas area is expected to see a large influx of eclipse tourism and that could put a strain on emergency response personnel who will be needed to assist with traffic control and other crowd management in parts of our county. Of concern to us, as well, is both: (1) should an emergency occur on one of our campuses that day, the response may be delayed; and (2) that our school buses and student drop-off and pick-up traffic could contribute to road congestion. We enjoy a very strong partnership with the men and women in law enforcement and first-response professions who keep us safe. We are happy to help them in this instance by closing school.
The good news is that we have enough minutes already built into our calendar so that we will not have to make up the day. We were fortunate not to have to close school this winter as often as we had planned. For staffing purposes, administration will handle this day like any other weather closure. Essential staff may be required to work or be on call. And, a resolution will go to the Board for consideration regarding holding employees harmless against pay being adversely affected."
Hays CISD also plans to provide viewing glasses for students and staff.
Meanwhile, Austin Independent School District did not call off for the eclipse, but the district is providing glasses for students to view the event during the school day.
Whether watching the eclipse at school, at home or somewhere else, it's important to take proper precautions and wear protective eyewear.
Visit here for a full list of eclipse viewing spots in the Austin area.