On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with a partial solar eclipse being visible in the Mid-South area.
Orion Federal Credit Union (Orion) just announced it will donate 20,000 eclipse viewing glasses to schools and community partners in the greater Memphis area. These glasses, made by Bartlett-based American Paper Optics — the world’s leading manufacturer of paper 3D eyewear and supplier of safe solar eclipse glasses — can be used for safe viewing of the solar eclipse.
This is another great opportunity for us to support local business by purchasing these glasses from American Paper Optics, in Bartlett, while also supporting teachers and students in our community,” says Daniel Weickenand, CEO at Orion.
Courtesy of Orion
Students at Kate Bond Elementary School (2017 Solar Eclipse)
In Memphis, the most exciting two minutes will happen at approximately 1:55 p.m., depending on the exact location in the city. The eclipse will be almost in totality, as the Sun is predicted to be around 97% covered by the moon. The next solar eclipse of this magnitude that can be seen from the continental United States will be in August 2044.
Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA further states that except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
The safe viewing glasses will allow students the opportunity for experiential learning outside the classroom. Orion will join in on the fun by hosting an eclipse party for students and staff at Idlewild Elementary.
Orion adopts over 10 schools in the Memphis area and takes seriously its responsibility to support the communities it serves. Employees are present throughout the year in various ways — supporting teachers as test proctors, providing financial literacy, reading to students, serving as field trip chaperones, and more.
To learn more about Orion, and its commitment to giving back to local communities, visit orionfcu.com/community/. For more information about the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, visit NASA.