On April 8, 2024, a rare and spectacular event will occur in the sky: a total solar eclipse. This is when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, blocking out the sun’s light and creating a shadow on the earth’s surface. For a few minutes, the day will turn into night, and you will be able to see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, as a ring of fire around the moon.
A total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and New York State is one of the best places to witness it. The path of totality, where the sun will be completely obscured by the moon, will cross 27 counties in upstate New York, from Chautauqua-Allegheny to the Thousand Islands-Seaway. If you are in this area, you will have the opportunity to see the eclipse in its full glory, lasting up to four minutes.
But where exactly should you go to watch the eclipse? There are many factors to consider, such as weather, traffic, accessibility, and scenery. To help you plan your trip, we have compiled a list of some of the best locations to view the eclipse in upstate New York, along with the times and durations of totality for each one.
Buffalo-Niagara Falls
- Time of totality: 3:18 p.m.
- Duration of totality: 3 minutes and 46 seconds
- Why go there: One of the most iconic and scenic locations in New York State, Niagara Falls is a natural wonder that will add to the awe of the eclipse. You can watch the eclipse from the observation tower, the Maid of the Mist boat, or the Cave of the Winds. Plus, you can enjoy the attractions and amenities of the city of Buffalo, such as the Buffalo Zoo, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.
- More information: Niagara Falls State Park, Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau
Rochester
- Time of totality: 3:20 p.m.
- Duration of totality: 3 minutes and 39 seconds
- Why go there: Rochester is a vibrant and historic city that offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities. You can watch the eclipse from the Rochester Museum & Science Center, which is hosting a three-day festival called ROC The Eclipse, featuring exhibits, telescope viewings, planetarium shows, and more. You can also explore the city’s landmarks, such as the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, and the Susan B. Anthony House.
- More information: Rochester Museum & Science Center, Visit Rochester
Syracuse
- Time of totality: 3:23 p.m.
- Duration of totality: 1 minute and 27 seconds
- Why go there: Syracuse is the largest city in central New York, and a hub of education, culture, and entertainment. You can watch the eclipse from the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, which is hosting a Solar Eclipse Festival with educational activities, free “eclipse glasses”, and more. You can also enjoy the city’s attractions, such as the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, the Everson Museum of Art, and the Destiny USA mall.
- More information: [Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology], [Visit Syracuse]
Tupper Lake-Saranac Lake
- Time of totality: 3:24 p.m.
- Duration of totality: 3 minutes and 39 seconds
- Why go there: Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake are two charming towns in the heart of the Adirondacks, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can watch the eclipse from the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, which is hosting “Totality in Tupper” to celebrate the event. You can also enjoy the outdoor activities and attractions of the region, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
- More information: [Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory],
Source:
(1) Where to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse in upstate New York. https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/watch-2024-total-solar-eclipse-upstate-new-york-18566212.php
(2) New York State Solar Eclipse | View Info, Times & Maps. https://www.iloveny.com/events/eclipse-2024/
(3) The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in New York. https://members.campnewyork.com/blog/camp-new-york-blog-5199/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-experiencing-the-2024-total-solar-eclipse-in-new-york-37663
(4) Eclipse 2024 | Adirondack Experience. https://www.adirondackexperience.com/eclipse-2024
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