What to Know

On April 8, 2024 the moon will completely cover the face of the sun.  This will be the continental U.S.’s second total solar eclipse in a decade — and the last until 2044.  It will cross the country from Texas to Maine, with much of our area here in New York set to be in the path of totality – a 9,000 mile long and 90 mile wide path and the only place you can be to see it all happen!

Le 8 avril 2024, la lune couvrira complètement la face dusoleil. Ce sera la deuxième éclipse solaire totale des États-Unis continentauxen une décennie - et la dernière jusqu'en 2044. Elle traversera le pays duTexas au Maine, une grande partie de notre région ici à New York étant sur lechemin de la totalité - un chemin de 9 000 milles (14484.096 kilomètres) delong et 90 milles (144.84096 kilomètres) de large et le seul endroit où vouspouvez être pour voir tout cela se produire !

What to expect?

There are five stages in a total solar eclipse:

1. Partial eclipse begins (1st contact): The Moon becomes visible over the Sun's disk. It looks like the Moon has taken a bite out of the Sun.
2. Total eclipse begins (2nd contact): The Moon covers the entire disk of the Sun, and observers are now within the Moon's umbra, the darkest part of the Moon's shadow. A diamond ring effect and Baily's beads are visible just before totality.
3. Totality and maximum eclipse: The Moon completely covers the disk of the Sun. Only the Sun's corona is visible. This is the most dramatic stage of a total solar eclipse. At this time, the sky goes dark, temperatures can fall, and birds and animals often go quiet. The midpoint of time of totality is known as the maximum point of the eclipse.
4. Total eclipse ends (3rd contact): The Moon starts moving away, and the Sun reappears. Those fortunate enough to be in the Moon's umbral can see Baily's beads and the diamond ring effect just after totality ends.
5. Partial eclipse ends (4th contact): The eclipse ends as the Moon leaves the Sun's disk.