These Maine Schools Are Closed April 8 for Total Eclipse of the Sun

Some Maine schools will close for the day or have early dismissal to celebrate the total eclipse of the sun in April.

According to WMTW, there is a 115-mile-wide path of totality that crosses northern New England, with a major chunk right here in Maine. It's a pretty big deal to see a total eclipse of the sun. The last time it happened in Maine was 1963, and the next time it will happen in Maine will be in 2079!

What schools will be closed on April 8 for the total solar eclipse?

It's important to remember that the total eclipse will be on the center line of the map above. All other views will have a partial eclipse view. So if you go to school in Southern Maine, you'll be attending all your classes on Monday, April 8, 2024. But these schools will either be closed or getting out early on April 8.

• RSU 29 - CLOSED  / The towns of Hammond, Houlton, Littleton, and Monticello.
• MSAD 70 - CLOSED  / Hodgdon Middle/High School and Mill Pond
• Forest Hills Consolidated School - CLOSED 
• MSAD #1 - EARLY DISMISSAL / Presque Isle, Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill, Westfield

That being said, it IS very exciting even for the southern part of Maine. So WMTW does point out that many schools will have an early release day.

For anyone in the path of totality (including Rangeley, Jackman, Carrabassett Valley, and Baxter State Park) you can actually remove your ISO-certified eclipse glasses and solar filter for the two to three minutes of official totality. That's so cool!

You cannot view the solar eclipse in part of Baxter State Park in Maine.

Even though Baxter State Park is in the path of totality, there is no access to Katahdin or Traveler Range in April, with only limited access to other locations in the parts of the park.

This is a fun event, and hopefully, everyone is safe and respectful while the sun takes a two or three-minute break on April 8.