On Monday, April 8th, 2024, a large portion of New York State will be directly in the path of totality for a total solar eclipse.
This is not only an amazing sight but a rare occurrence during which views can witness the effect of a sunrise and sunset all in the span of about two hours.
Just after 3 pm, the total solar eclipse will be passing through Western NY to Central NY and Tug Hill, then through the Northern Adirondacks and exiting the state just north of Plattsburgh. See a detailed map of the eclipse path here.
The total eclipse experience in New York State (partial to total to partial) begins just after 2 pm and ends at about 4:37 (see the chart below). Full totality will begin in Chautauqua County at 3:17 PM, moving through the state to Plattsburgh at 3:25 pm.
While this total solar eclipse travels over a third of New York State, the entirety of the state will be able to see at least 88% of a partial eclipse: Albany is 96%, New York City 89%, and Montauk on Long Island 88%.
Experiencing totality is a once in a lifetime experience. The last total solar eclipse in New York State was in 1925 and the next ones are not expected until 2079 and 2144. Total eclipses occur in the same place only once every 400 years.
Locations in the path of totality experience total darkness for up to 4 minutes. The temperature will drop about 10 degrees, animals and insects will act as if it’s nightfall (spring peepers and tree frogs for example are likely to start chirping), and the planets and stars will be visible.
Schools, libraries and cultural institutions are planning a variety of eclipse related STEM events to engage students. You can explore eclipse education resources here.
Tips For Viewing
Remember to protect your eyes with specialized solar viewing glasses.
Check traffic before heading out. Eclipse tourism, especially in the Adirondacks, is expected to be very high, and those traveling long distances should leave early to avoid potential traffic-related incidents.
Prepare for the potential of freezing weather. The historical average temperatures in the Adirondacks for the month of are about 50 degrees (F) during the day and about 30 at night. The average cloud cover is 40%, with a 40% chance of just .007 inches of rain during the eclipse time. Historically, the wind in Adirondacks during April blows at an average speed of 12.2 mph.
If camping, bring the proper gear and watch out for ticks. In the Adirondacks, black fly season doesn’t typically begin until May, but be prepared just in case.
If you’re headed to a local park or other natural place, respect its natural beauty. Follow the Leave No Trace Principles including: walking through, not around mud on trails, take your trash home with you, and don’t disturb the wildlife.
Full health and safety information can be found here.
Unique Events Around New York State on April 8th
Saranac Lake‘s Solar Fest is a street fest and viewing party from 2 pm until 6 pm on Main Street (from the intersection of Main Street and Broadway by Berkeley Green to the entrance into the Hotel Saranac parking lot). For additional Solar Fest information visit www.saranaclake.com/events/
Blue Mountain Lake‘s Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts will open its doors on April 8th from 10:30 am until 5 pm to serve food and beverages and provide eclipse-viewing glasses as part of a special $20 deal. Live entertainment with local band Yod Crewsy and the Yod Squad from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Eclipse reaches totality over Blue Mountain Lake at 3:24 pm, but will not be visible from the Arts Center itself. Visit adirondackarts.org for more information.
Blue Mountain Lake‘s Adirondack Experience will host a Total Solar Eclipse Experience from 11 am until 6 pm. Guests who register will be able to enjoy eclipse art activities, yoga, campfire & s’mores, food trucks, music, a NASA livestream of the eclipse, commemorative photo-ops, and more. Free eclipse glasses and guaranteed on-site parking are included with ticket purchase. Parking will be available to event ticket-holders only. For more information about the Total Solar Eclipse Experience and to purchase tickets, visit www.theadkx.org.
Tupper Lake‘s Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory and the Wild Center will host the free Totality in Tupper, two days of hands-on science, education, activities, big-screen eclipse viewing, live music, fireworks in the evening, and more. More information can be found here.
Auburn‘s Cayuga Museum of History and Art will have a viewing experience from 12 until 4 pm on the roof of the iconic Phoenix Building one of the highest points in the city. Reservations are $250 per person and are required to attend as space is very limited. Learn more at cayugamuseum.org/solar-eclipse.
Illustrations, from above: Total Solar Eclipse Interactive Google Map by Xavier Jubier (zoom in for details here); and a table of total solar eclipse times for various places in New York State; a total eclipse (photo courtesy New York State Library).
