A solar eclipse is a rare celestial event in which the moon passes in front of the sun, partially or totally blocking it from our view here on Earth. On Monday, April 8, New York will be one of the few states in the path of totality of the solar eclipse passing over the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Under clear sky conditions, a total solar eclipse creates dusk-like darkness during the day and is the point at which the chromosphere and corona are most visible.
Several New York cities, including Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester, will be directly in the path of totality, and the partial eclipse will be visible throughout the state; check your address here to see how long you will be able to view the eclipse from your location. The duration of the eclipse will depend largely on where you are.
A total solar eclipse is a rare event: the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States isn’t until August 23, 2044.
Looking directly at a partial eclipse can cause severe and long-lasting retinal damage in a very short amount of time, and eclipse viewers must only view the event with specialized eclipse glasses. Check here for a list of eclipse glasses that meet proper safety standards and here for a list of New York locations giving out free pairs of glasses.
Check in with your local schools and businesses to see whether they will be open or closed on the day of the eclipse; because the timing of the eclipse coincides in several places with school dismissals, multiple schools are canceling classes. Many eclipse viewing sites can expect large crowds of spectators, so prepare for heavy traffic and bring extra supplies if you are traveling; see here for more safety advice regarding your eclipse-viewing experience.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy!
