NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A rare celestial event on Monday afternoon will take over the New York State sky for the first time in 99 years: a total solar eclipse. Another total solar eclipse will not be visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044, nor in New York until 2079, making next week’s event once-in-a-lifetime for New Yorkers.
Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about enjoying the solar eclipse, whether in the path of totality or not, and staying safe while doing so.
What is a solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking the face of the sun and darkening the sky like dawn or dusk, NASA explains.
The path of totality is the area in which the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun, and those within the parameters will be able to see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere (weather permitting).
When and where can I watch the eclipse in New York?
The path of totality encompasses 29 counties in the western and northern parts of New York State, and the areas outside this zone will experience from 88% to over 99% coverage.
The exact timing of Monday’s eclipse depends exactly from where one is watching.
Coverage in New York City will be nearly 90% at the eclipse peak, according to NASA and city officials. This point will be reached at 3:25 p.m., but skies will begin to darken at about 2:51 p.m. and will start to lighten again around 3:58 p.m.
The entire partial event is expected to last about 2 hours and 25 minutes in the city.
In Buffalo, which is within the path of totality, the complete eclipse begins at 3:16 p.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m., while in Albany, the eclipse will reach its maximum coverage of nearly 97% at 3:26 p.m.
NASA has developed an “Eclipse Explorer,” an interactive map that provides information on the eclipse from a provided ZIP code or city.
Gov. Kathy Hochul held a virtual conversation with New Yorker and International Space Station Astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps on Thursday who will be viewing the eclipse from space itself.
What safety precautions should I take during the eclipse?
The biggest safety concern New Yorkers should take into consideration during the eclipse is eye protection. Officials say that looking directly at the sun without protection during the eclipse could lead to an inability to see colors, loss of vision or even permanent blindness.
Spectators should use handheld solar viewers or eclipse glasses while watching the event, and these tools should not be used if they are more than three years old or if lenses are scratched, punctured, torn or wrinkled.
The American Astronomical Society provided a list of selected suppliers that are safe, and warns that some viewers are labeled as meeting international safety standards when they have in fact not been properly tested.
Glasses are being given out for free at New York, Brooklyn and Queens public libraries on a first-come-first-served basis, as part of a partnership with the National Esports Association. City officials encourage New Yorkers to call in advance to ensure supplies are available.
New York State is also offering eclipse glasses while supplies last at a series of locations, with a full list available here.
Stargazers should avoid using sunglasses, cameras, telescopes or binoculars to view the eclipse without a special solar filter on the front.
If driving, especially during the period closest to peak coverage, motorists should use headlights. Those driving, walking or cycling should slow down and watch for others on the road due to the dual threat of distracted driving and lower visibility at the time of the eclipse.
What eclipse viewing events are being held in NY?
NYC Parks will be holding free viewing events in all five boroughs hosted by Urban Park rangers, where limited supplies of safety viewing glasses will be available to borrow and a solar lens telescope will be set up.
All five events take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m., and will be held in Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan; Parade Ground, Brooklyn; Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx; Rockaway Beach, Queens; and Freshkills Park, Staten Island.
For a complete list of details, view the NYC Parks event page here.
Another free event will be held at Green-Wood Cemetery, while the American Museum of Natural History and The Intrepid Museum will be hosting events that are available with museum entry.
The celebration at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has already sold out, but other ticketed events are being held at the New York Hall of Science, One World Observatory, Edge and Top of the Rock.
Outside of the city, there will be dozens of events and activities held at New York State parks and historic sites. A list of events can be viewed and registered for on the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website or the New York State eclipse website.
What promotions are being offered in celebration of the eclipse?
Several brands and companies are honing in on the excitement of the solar eclipse and offering limited time promotions.
SunChips is releasing a limited-edition bag that “combines the brightness of the sun with the spicy cheese of the moon.” Participants can enter to win a bag and eclipse swag kit at 1:33 p.m. on Monday.
MoonPie is dropping a “solar eclipse survival kit” with custom “blackout boxes” of chocolate, vanilla or banana mini MoonPies in celebration of the celestial event.
Blue Moon is offering Eclipse Sips, a kit that includes Blue Moon “Moon Dust,” a version of the Belgian White beer that has a shimmery glow.
Warby Parker is offering a limited supply of eclipse glasses at various locations. Find more information here.
