Eclipse Activities, Events Planned In Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Leading up to the April 8 solar eclipse, events held across the state of New York will help people to learn about the phenomenon and ways to stay safe while viewing it.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that the New York State Parks and Historic Sites will host a range of events and activities to celebrate the rare total solar eclipse that can be seen in western New York, the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks on April 8.

Unfortunately, the Hudson Valley is not in the path of totality, but residents will be able to view a rare partial eclipse — weather permitting.

Hochul said, while the state is prepared to welcome the public to view the total solar eclipse, the parks are also offering dozens of events and activities leading up to the extraordinary event.

“Our top priority is ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors can safely witness this generational spectacle,” she said, “and I encourage everyone to keep safety in mind so that all can savor this experience in our state.”

In advance of the eclipse, events at many state parks and historic sites will have hands-on craft projects like Do-It-Yourself pinhole eclipse viewer as well as educational programs steeped in history and solar system science.

In the Hudson Valley, there will be:

Bear Mountain State Park
Eclipse Viewing at Bear Mountain
Monday, April 8, 2024, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Minnewaska State Park
Prepare for the Eclipse! Make-Your-Own Eclipse Viewer at Sam’s Point
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area

Rockefeller State Park Preserve
The Final Countdown: Solar Eclipse FAQ & Crafts!
Sunday, March 17, 2024, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Eclipse in New York State

During the afternoon of April 8, a total eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York State. In less than 15 minutes within a 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. window, the moon will pass between the earth and sun, turning day into night for 1½ minutes to 3½ minutes. The roughly 100-mile wide path of totality will enter the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 p.m., and will depart northern New York just before 3:30 p.m.. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to 2½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast.

For other areas of the state outside the path, there will still be quite a celestial spectacle. The percent coverage in the Hudson Valley will range from 90 percent in the south to about 94 percent in the north. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will not be until August 2044.

Public Safety During the Eclipse

Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun's bright face, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. According to NASA, viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized solar viewing glasses — eclipse glasses — or a handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses, polarized or otherwise, are not a safe replacement for solar eclipse glasses.

Hochul strongly encourages eclipse enthusiasts to partake in this once-in-a-generation event safely by:

• Protecting your eyes with specialized solar viewing glasses
• Checking traffic before heading out for this event as higher volumes of visitors are anticipated
• Preparing for the weather
• Bringing the proper gear and watching out for ticks if camping

For the entire lineup of events hosted at state parks along the path of totality, visit the state's Events Calendar. For more information about the 2024 Total Eclipse in New York State, visit I Love NY's eclipse page.