‘Eclipsemania' takes over tri-state: Key times, places and more to know

The solar eclipse came and went, but those who witnessed it will have the memory with them for life.

During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking at least part of it from view. The last total solar eclipse was on Aug. 21, 2017. While the New York City area wasn't in the path of totality, city residents still experienced a partial eclipse, which started just after 2 p.m. on Monday.

When did the solar eclipse occur and where?

During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, a total eclipse encompassed 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 paseds between the earth and sun, turning day into night for 1 ½ minutes to 3 ½ minutes.

The roughly 100-mile wide path of totality was in the southwestern part of the state just after 3:15 p.m., and departed 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 lasted 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.

For other areas of the state that are outside the path, there will still be quite a celestial spectacle. The minimum coverage in the state will be on Long Island, with the sun being shadowed at 88%. New York City will see 89% coverage, with 96% in the Capital Region.

New York City saw a partial eclipse beginning around 2 p.m. and peaking around 3:25 p.m, according to Storm Team 4. The partial eclipse is ended in NYC around 4:36 p.m. Take a look at the forecast for the eclipse.

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Where to watch the solar eclipse around NYC

Where can I get free eclipse glasses?

It is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection and can result in serious injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer ­– regular sunglasses are not a safe replacement.

A limited quantity of I LOVE NY eclipse glasses will be available at locations throughout the state, including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the New York State Thruway (at the Applegreen C-Stores).

For additional information on where to get free eclipse glasses, click here.

What are the times of totality in New York for the solar eclipse?

Here's information courtesy of the New York state official tourism website:

Jamestown

• Partial eclipse begins: 2:03:38 p.m.
• Full eclipse begins: 3:17:55 p.m.
• Full eclipse ends: 3:20:46 p.m.
• Partial eclipse ends: 4:31:43 p.m.
• Totality duration: 2 minutes, 51 seconds

Buffalo

• Partial eclipse begins: 2:04:56 p.m.
• Full eclipse begins: 3:18:20 p.m.
• Full eclipse ends: 3:22:06 p.m.
• Partial eclipse ends: 4:32:10 p.m.
• Totality duration: 3 minutes, 46 seconds

Rochester

• Partial eclipse begins: 2:07:00 p.m.
• Full eclipse begins: 3:20:08 p.m.
• Full eclipse ends: 3:23:47 p.m.
• Partial eclipse ends: 4:33:26 p.m.
• Totality duration: 3 minutes, 39 seconds

Syracuse

• Partial eclipse begins: 2:09:01 p.m.
• Full eclipse begins: 3:23:03 p.m.
• Full eclipse ends: 3:24:30 p.m.
• Partial eclipse ends: 4:34:49 p.m.
• Totality duration: 1 minutes, 27 seconds

Watertown

• Partial eclipse begins: 2:10:05 p.m.
• Full eclipse begins: 3:22:33 p.m.
• Full eclipse ends: 3:26:12 p.m.
• Partial eclipse ends: 4:35:01 p.m.
• Totality duration: 3 minutes, 39 seconds

Lake Placid

• Partial eclipse begins: 2:13:02 p.m.
• Full eclipse begins: 3:25:07 p.m.
• Full eclipse ends: 3:28:29 p.m.
• Partial eclipse ends: 4:36:43 p.m.
• Totality duration: 3 minutes, 21 seconds

Plattsburgh

• Partial eclipse begins: 2:14:03 p.m.
• Full eclipse begins: 3:25:44 p.m.
• Full eclipse ends: 3:29:18 p.m.
• Partial eclipse ends: 4:37:07 p.m.
• Totality duration: 3 minutes, 34 seconds

Where to watch the eclipse in New York City

Can’t travel upstate to see the total eclipse on April 8? We’ve got your back with the events around NYC. See video below:

School cancelations and dismissals

Anticipation and safety concerns over the solar eclipse have prompted several school districts in our area to cancel classes or dismiss their students earlier than usual Monday.

Due to the magnitude of the event, which requires safety precautions to protect eyes, some schools in New York and New Jersey are following recommendations from the states to close earlier so as not to harm children who could be in the area. outside during the time of the celestial phenomenon and look without protection.

In New York, the call is for regions where an avalanche of visitors is expected, since a partial eclipse will barely be visible in the city.

In New Jersey, at least four school districts will allow students to dismiss at 1:30 p.m.

New Jersey

• Shore Regional High School District in Monmouth County will dismiss on April 8 at 1:30 p.m. due to solar eclipse. They also canceled extracurricular activities during the eclipse period.
• Livingston School District in Essex County will be dismissing students earlier in the day.
• Penssauken School District will have classes until noon for all students and sports and extracurricular activities will be canceled.
• Cherry Hill Public Schools will be dismissing grades PreK-5 at 1 p.m., grades 6-8 at 12:15 p.m. and grades 9-12 at 11:45 a.m.
• The Shore Regional High School District, based in Long Branch, will close at 1:30 p.m., a letter wrote.

New York

The following New York school districts are some that have canceled classes:

• The Buffalo City School District
• Niagara Falls City School District
• Lockport School District
• Liverpool Central School District

For full coverage of the 2024 solar eclipse, click here.