'Eclipsemania' has taken over the tri-state: What to know about ...

8 Apr 2024

NBC New York

We are mere hours away from one of the most exciting celestial events – a total solar eclipse. During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking at least part of it from view. The last total solar eclipse was on Aug. 21, 2017.

What to Know

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur as the moon moves in front of the sun blocking the sun from view either totally or partially for most of the United States
While the New York City area is not in the path of totality, city residents will see a partial eclipse
Areas of upstate New York, including Buffalo, Rochester and Plattsburgh will be in the path of totality for up to four minutes

We are mere hours away from one of the most exciting celestial events - a total solar eclipse.

During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking at least part of it from view. The last total solar eclipse was on Aug. 21, 2017.

While the New York City area is not in the path of totality, city residents will see a partial eclipse, which will start just after 2 p.m. on Monday.

The solar eclipse is a week away, here are the safest ways to see it.

When will the solar eclipse occur and where?

During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, a total eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York State. In less than 15 minutes within a 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. window, the moon will pass between the earth and sun, turning day into night for 1 ½ minutes to 3 ½ minutes.

The roughly 100-mile wide path of totality will enter in the southwestern part of the state just after 3:15 p.m., and will depart northern New York just before 3:30 p.m. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to 2 ½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast.

For other areas of the state that are outside the path, there will still be quite a celestial spectacle. The minimum coverage in the state will be on Long Island, with the sun being shadowed at 88 percent there. New York City will see 89 percent coverage, with 96 percent in the Capital Region.

New York City will see a partial eclipse beginning around 2 p.m. and peaking around 3:25 p.m, according to Storm Team 4. The partial eclipse is expected to end in NYC around 4:36 p.m. Take a look at an early forecast for the eclipse.

Where can I get free eclipse glasses?

During the eclipse, it is especially unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection and can result in serious injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer – regular sunglasses are not a safe replacement.

A limited quantity of I LOVE NY eclipse glasses will be available at locations throughout the state, including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the New York State Thruway (at the Applegreen C-Stores).

For additional information on where to get free eclipse glasses, click here.

What are the times of totality in New York for the solar eclipse?

Here's information courtesy of the New York state official tourism website:

Jamestown

Partial eclipse begins: 2:03:38 p.m.
Full eclipse begins: 3:17:55 p.m.
Full eclipse ends: 3:20:46 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 4:31:43 p.m.
Totality duration: 2 minutes, 51 seconds

Buffalo

Partial eclipse begins: 2:04:56 p.m.
Full eclipse begins: 3:18:20 p.m.
Full eclipse ends: 3:22:06 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 4:32:10 p.m.
Totality duration: 3 minutes, 46 seconds

Rochester

Partial eclipse begins: 2:07:00 p.m.
Full eclipse begins: 3:20:08 p.m.
Full eclipse ends: 3:23:47 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 4:33:26 p.m.
Totality duration: 3 minutes, 39 seconds

Syracuse

Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy provides tips on how to get the best photos of the total solar eclipse whether you're using a phone, camera or telescope.

Partial eclipse begins: 2:09:01 p.m.
Full eclipse begins: 3:23:03 p.m.
Full eclipse ends: 3:24:30 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 4:34:49 p.m.
Totality duration: 1 minutes, 27 seconds

Watertown

Partial eclipse begins: 2:10:05 p.m.
Full eclipse begins: 3:22:33 p.m.
Full eclipse ends: 3:26:12 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 4:35:01 p.m.
Totality duration: 3 minutes, 39 seconds

Lake Placid

Partial eclipse begins: 2:13:02 p.m.
Full eclipse begins: 3:25:07 p.m.
Full eclipse ends: 3:28:29 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 4:36:43 p.m.
Totality duration: 3 minutes, 21 seconds

Plattsburgh

Partial eclipse begins: 2:14:03 p.m.
Full eclipse begins: 3:25:44 p.m.
Full eclipse ends: 3:29:18 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 4:37:07 p.m.
Totality duration: 3 minutes, 34 seconds

Where to watch the eclipse in New York City

Can’t travel upstate to see the total eclipse on April 8? We’ve got your back with the events around NYC. See video below:

Can't travel upstate to see the total eclipse on April 8? We've got your back with the events around NYC.

School cancelations and dismissals

Anticipation and safety concerns over the solar eclipse have prompted several school districts in our area to cancel classes or dismiss their students earlier that usual Monday.

Due to the magnitude of the event, which requires safety precautions to protect eyes, some schools in New York and New Jersey are following recommendations from the states to close earlier so as not to harm children who could be in the area. outside during the time of the celestial phenomenon and look without protection.

In New York, the call is for regions where an avalanche of visitors is expected, since a partial eclipse will barely be visible in the city.

In New Jersey, at least four school districts will allow students to dismiss at 1:30 p.m.

New Jersey

Shore Regional High School District in Monmouth County will dismiss on April 8 at 1:30 p.m. due to solar eclipse. They also canceled extracurricular activities during the eclipse period.
Livingston School District in Essex County will be dismissing students earlier in the day.
Penssauken School District will have classes until noon for all students and sports and extracurricular activities will be canceled.
Cherry Hill Public Schools will be dismissing grades PreK-5 at 1 p.m., grades 6-8 at 12:15 p.m. and grades 9-12 at 11:45 a.m.
The Shore Regional High School District, based in Long Branch, will close at 1:30 p.m., a letter wrote.

New York

The following New York school districts are some that have canceled classes: