It’s now only a few days until the total solar eclipse will cover New York skies in utter darkness! Though total solar eclipses are rarer than general solar eclipses, what makes this upcoming event absolutely unmissable is the fact that total solar eclipses only occur in the same place every 366 years, according to Forbes.
Still unsure what a solar eclipse means? According to the National Weather Service, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon is sandwiched in passing between the sun and earth.
The total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light from earth, creating a shadow trail that is known as the path of totality. Areas in the path of totality will experience complete darkness during the total solar eclipse, and New York is one of them! To clarify, it will be centuries until another total solar eclipse will travel the same path in New York that it will this April.
As incredible of an experience viewing this eclipse will be, there are plenty of safety precautions to take. One of the most important safety tips includes wearing special eclipse glasses—specifically International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 certified ones—to protect your eyes. Now you may be wondering where the hell can you get those, and here’s where!
1. New York Welcome Centers
New Yorkers can pick up a complimentary pair of eclipse glasses at Moynihan Train Hall – MTA Long Island Rail Road Ticket Windows daily from 6:30am – 9:30pm while supplies last. Glasses will also be available at New York State Welcome Centers, various Thruway Rest Stops and additional sites listed here.
2. Public libraries
Stop by a public library near you and pick up a free pair of solar eclipse glasses while supplies last! New York Public Library and Queens Public Library are currently both offering free glasses on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last. Brooklyn Public Library is also handing out free glasses starting on Friday! Find your location below:
3. Warby Parker stores
With over a dozen stores across NYC, Warby Parker is taking the reigns as the leading eyewear company to hand out free pairs to New Yorkers leading up to April 8! Stop by any of their flagship stores from now until Monday and pick up a free pair of solar eclipse glasses while supplies last. To find your location and learn more about the initiative, head here.