what to know
- On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur as the Moon will cross in front of the Sun, rendering the Sun completely or partially invisible across much 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 just hours away from one of the most exciting astronomical events ever – 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 August 21, 2017.
While the New York City area is not in the path of totality, city residents will see a partial eclipse, starting just after 2 p.m. on Monday.
The solar eclipse is a week away, here are the safest ways to watch it.
When and where will the solar eclipse occur?
During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, the total eclipse will engulf the western and northern parts of New York State. In less than 15 minutes between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m., the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, turning day into night for one and a half minutes to three and a half minutes.
The roughly 100-mile-wide path of totality will enter the southwestern part of the state after 3:15 p.m., and depart northern New York just before 3:30 p.m. Cities and towns covered by this tract include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, etc. Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last two and a half hours, covering the time from when the Sun is first disrupted to the final moments of the Moon’s shadow falling.
In other areas of the state which are off the beaten track, there will still be plenty of astronomical views to be seen. The lowest coverage in the state will be on Long Island, where sun shade will be at 88 percent. New York City will have 89 percent coverage, with 96 percent in the Capital Region.
According to Storm Team 4, the partial eclipse in New York City will begin around 2 p.m. and peak around 3:25 p.m. The partial eclipse is expected to end around 4:36 pm in NYC. Take a look at the initial forecast for the eclipse.
Where can I get free eclipse glasses?
During an eclipse, looking directly at the Sun without special eye protection is especially unsafe and can result in serious injury. Partial phases of a solar eclipse can only be safely viewed directly with special eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer – Regular sunglasses are not a safe replacement.
Limited quantities of I Love NY Eclipse glasses will be available at locations throughout the state, including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas on the New York State Thruway (at Applegreen C-Stores).
Click here for additional information on where to get free eclipse glasses.
What is the time of totality in New York for the solar eclipse?
This information is courtesy of New York State’s official tourism website:
jamestown
- Partial eclipse starts: 2:03:38 pm
- Total eclipse starts: 3:17:55 pm
- Total eclipse ends: 3:20:46 pm
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:31:43 pm
- Total Duration: 2 minutes, 51 seconds
Buffalo
- Partial eclipse starts: 2:04:56 pm
- Total eclipse starts: 3:18:20 pm
- Total eclipse ends: 3:22:06 pm
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:32:10 pm
- Total Duration: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
Rochester
- Partial eclipse starts: 2:07:00 pm
- Total eclipse starts: 3:20:08 pm
- Total eclipse ends: 3:23:47 pm
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:33:26 pm
- Total Duration: 3 minutes, 39 seconds
Syracuse
Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy offers tips on how to take the best photos of a total solar eclipse, whether you’re using a phone, camera, or telescope.
- Partial eclipse starts: 2:09:01 pm
- Total eclipse starts: 3:23:03 pm
- Total eclipse ends: 3:24:30 pm
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:34:49 pm
- Total Duration: 1 minute, 27 seconds
watertown
- Partial eclipse starts: 2:10:05 pm
- Total eclipse starts: 3:22:33 pm
- Total eclipse ends: 3:26:12 pm
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:35:01 pm
- Total Duration: 3 minutes, 39 seconds
Lake Placid
- Partial eclipse starts: 2:13:02 pm
- Total eclipse starts: 3:25:07 pm
- Total eclipse ends: 3:28:29 pm
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:36:43 pm
- Total Duration: 3 minutes, 21 seconds
plattsburgh
- Partial eclipse starts: 2:14:03 pm
- Total eclipse starts: 3:25:44 pm
- Total eclipse ends: 3:29:18 pm
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:37:07 pm
- Total Duration: 3 minutes, 34 seconds
Where to see the eclipse in New York City
Can’t we travel upstate to see the total eclipse on April 8? We’re bringing you the scoop on events around NYC. Watch the video below:
Can’t you travel upstate to see the total eclipse on April 8? We bring you the scoop on events around NYC.
School cancellation and dismissal
Anticipation and safety concerns about the solar eclipse have prompted many school districts in our area to cancel classes or dismiss their students earlier than usual Monday.
Due to the magnitude of the incident, which requires safety precautions including eye protection, some schools in New York and New Jersey are following state recommendations to close earlier so as not to harm children living in the area. Watch outside and without protection during astronomical events.
In New York, the call is for areas where heavy crowds of visitors are expected, as the partial eclipse will be barely visible in the city.
In New Jersey, at least four school districts will allow students to dismiss at 1:30 p.m.
new Jersey
- Due to the solar eclipse, Shore Regional High School District in Monmouth County will be closed on April 8 at 1:30 p.m. They also canceled extra-curricular activities during the eclipse period.
- Livingston School District in Essex County will dismiss students early in the day.
- Pennsauken School District will have classes for all students until noon and will cancel sports and extracurricular activities.
- Cherry Hill Public Schools will dismiss grades PreK-5 at 1 p.m., grades 6-8 at 12:15 p.m., and grades 9-12 at 11:45 a.m.
- Shore Regional High School District, located in Long Branch, will close at 1:30 p.m., a letter read.
New York
The following New York school districts are some of those that have canceled classes:
- Buffalo City School District
- niagara falls city school district
- Lockport School District
- Liverpool Central School District
For complete coverage of the 2024 solar eclipse, click here.
