Today, Monday, April 8, a rare total solar eclipse will trace a path across 15 US states, blanketing these areas in total darkness, and considering this won’t happen again for another 20 years you won’t want to miss it–and thankfully you won’t have to!
From when the 2024 total solar eclipse will occur in NYC to what steps you should take to stay safe during it, everything you need to know can be found below:
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the sun. This causes the sky to darken as if it were dawn or dusk. This phenomenon happens very infrequently, with the last one occurring in 2017 and the next one in 2044.
When is the 2024 total solar eclipse?
The rare 2024 total solar eclipse is happening today, Monday afternoon, April 8th, 2024.
What time is the solar eclipse today in New York?
Depending on where you are in the world, the 2024 total solar eclipse will occur at different times.
In New York City specifically, the eclipse will technically begin at 2:10 pm, though the sky won’t begin to darken until 2:51 pm. New Yorkers will be able to see 90% of the sun covered by the moon (max coverage) at 3:25 pm. The sky will then begin to lighten once again starting at 3:58 pm. The eclipse will fully end in NYC at 4:36 pm.
NASA created a 2024 solar eclipse interactive map where you can input various ZIP codes to learn what will be visible in different areas.
Where’s the best place to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse?
Though NYC will only see 90% coverage, the sky will still darken a bit during the 2024 total solar eclipse! A full list of eclipse events in and around NYC can be found here.
However, if you want prime viewing of the eclipse where you can experience it to the fullest, you’ll have to embark on a road trip. Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Niagara are all in the path of totality where the eclipse can be seen in full.
Where can I get free eclipse glasses in NYC?
I Love NY is giving out a limited amount of special-edition eclipse glasses for viewing the super rare total eclipse–you can find out how to get them here.
How can I stay safe during the 2024 total solar eclipse?
According to NASA it is not safe to look directly at the Sun (including viewing it through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope) without specialized eye protection during the 2024 total solar eclipse.
When watching the partial phases of the solar eclipse directly with your eyes, which happens before and after totality, NASA urges you must look through eclipse glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the eclipse.
Find more safety tips from NASA here.
When will the next total solar eclipse be?
After this April’s total solar eclipse, the next one won’t be visible again until August 2044, so you definitely won’t want to miss it!