Westchester County Parks To Host Solar Eclipse Viewing Events

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The highly anticipated solar eclipse will be partially visible in the Hudson Valley, and Westchester County Parks is doing its part to help people view it safely.

The county parks’ Conservation Division will host solar eclipse events county-wide Monday, April 8 where participants can view the astronomical marvel safely and learn more about it.

The path of this total solar eclipse falls over more places in the United States than usual making it more accessible to more people.

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.

While the eclipse will only be partial in Westchester, it will still be something worth seeing.

The percent coverage in the Hudson Valley will range from 90 percent in the southern part of the valley to about 94 percent in the northern portion.

County Executive George Latimer said experiencing the eclipse safely at the county parks is a great way to mark the phenomenon.

“It is rare for a total solar eclipse to be viewable to so many people,” he said, “and it’s exciting that it will be partially visible in our area.”

Westchester County Parks will be hosting solar eclipse events in five locations. They were able to obtain viewing glasses for all events as it is not safe to look directly at the solar eclipse.

Solar eclipse events will take place Monday, April 8 at:

• Cranberry Lake Preserve in North White Plains, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Lasdon Park, Arboretum, and Veterans Memorial in Katonah, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Lenoir Preserve in Yonkers, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Events and parking are free.