On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America cutting right through New York State. Unfortunately Long Island is not in the band of totality – you will have to travel to Buffalo for that – but we islanders will get a partial view of the eclipse.
- When: Monday, April 8, 2024
- What: A total eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York State
- How long: In less than 15 minutes between 3:15 to 3:30pm EST, the moon will pass between the earth and sun, turning day into night for 1 ½ to 3 ½ minutes. The entire event will last for up to 2 ½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast.
- Best places in New York to view: Cities and towns within the best viewing path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh.
- What time will it start on Long Island: The moon will start covering the sun at around 2:15pm and last until about 4:30pm. Prime viewing will be from about 3:15-3:30pm EST and last only a few minutes.
- How much will Long Islanders see: The minimum coverage in the state will be on Long Island, with the sun being shadowed at 88 percent.
- When is the next one: The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will not be for another 20 years, until August 2044.
According to NASA, “a total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.”
Safety is paramount during a total solar eclipse. Familiarizing yourself with specialized eye protection used for solar viewing is important. You can click here to review NASA’s safety guidelines.
So, if you’re going it on your own you can view the eclipse at a number of great locations across Long Island and even from your own backyard but make sure you have the correct eyewear otherwise you can do serious damage to your eyes.
Here are a number of places to find the right eclipse glasses:
- Long Island SONICs – SONIC is giving away free glasses with the purchase of their Blackout Slush Float.
- I LOVE NY Eclipse Glasses – A limited quantity of I LOVE NY eclipse glasses will be available at locations throughout the state. You can get a pair at the Long Island Welcome Center, 5100 Long Island Expressway, Eastbound between Exits 51 & 52, Dix Hills. Hours of Operation: Daily: 7 am – 9 pm.
- Your Local Library – Many local libraries will also have a limited number of solar eclipse viewing glasses available for card holders. Check with your library for availability.
2024 Solar Eclipse Watch Parties on Long Island:
- Cradle of Aviation Museum Solar Eclipse Viewing Party – Free glasses and hands-on STEM activities with museum admission from 12 pm through 4 pm. Where: Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY, (516) 572-4111.
- West Babylon Public Library Solar Eclipse Watch Party – Where: West Babylon Public Library, 211 Route 109 West Babylon.
- Solar Eclipse Watch Party at Port Washington Library – A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available for those joining on the library’s outdoor terrace. The solar eclipse will begin at approximately 2:20pm and will peak between 3:15 and 3:30pm. Where: Port Washington Public Library, 1 Library Drive, Port Washington.
- 2024 Solar Eclipse at the Long Island Explorium – Join the Long Island Explorium, where science meets wonder, for an unforgettable solar eclipse viewing experience. It is a journey into the heart of the cosmos, right from our museum’s doorstep. This event is designed for all ages with a curiosity about the cosmos, offering an opportunity to delve into the science behind solar eclipses through exciting, hands-on activities. Where: Port Jeff Harbor, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson, (631) 331-3277.
- Custer Observatory 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party – Witness the phenomenon of a solar eclipse in person through their filtered high-powered, state-of-the-art telescopes and using certified safe solar eclipse viewing glasses (provided). Where: 1115 Main Bayview Road, Southold.
Photo by Drew Rae.
