The sky has been putting on quite the show for us as of late–earlier this year there was a five planetary alignment between Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Mars, and a solar storm is making the Northern Lights visible in 17 states this week.
And the sky isn’t done dazzling us just yet–though we do have to wait a bit for this next spectacle.
Next year, on April 8, 2024, a rare total solar eclipse will trace a path across 15 U.S. 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!
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that those who want to experience the eclipse–which will cover much of western and upstate New York–can do so at one of New York’s seven State Park campgrounds.
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.
The locations where the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun is known as the path of totality, and out of the 13 states that are in this path, New York is one of them. Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Niagara will provide prime viewing locations, according to Great American Eclipse.
The rare total solar eclipse will begin in western New York shortly after 2 p.m. Full totality will begin in Chautauqua County at 3:17 p.m., moving through the state to Plattsburgh at 3:25 p.m.
And those looking to book a campsite can do so between April 4th and 8th at the following parks:
- Allegany State Park (Allegany County) – 165 sites, including campsites, cabins, cottages, and a group camp
- Fair Haven Beach State Park (Cayuga County) – 29 cabins and one cottage
- Letchworth State Park (Livingston/Wyoming counties) – 19 cabins and cottages
- Evangola State Park (Erie County) – 25 campsites
- Four Mile Creek State Park (Niagara County) – 50 campsites
- Golden Hill State Park (Niagara County) – 25 campsites
- Wellesley Island State Park (Jefferson County) – 21 cabins and cottages
Reservations are now open for all campsites and can be booked for a minimum of two nights here.
“Next year, New Yorkers and visitors alike will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary, celestial show in our state as the solar eclipse passes over the heart of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks in 2024,” said Governor Hochul.
“Our State Parks will open campground accommodations early, prior to the traditional camping season, to ensure people can see this amazing display in one of New York’s beautiful natural settings,” Hochul added.
The next total solar eclipse won’t be visible again until August 2044, so you definitely won’t want to miss it!