New Yorkers are lucky to live in a place that offers constant access to amazing experiences. On April 8, nature is sweetening the deal with a once-in-a-lifetime celestial opportunity many are looking forward to: a total solar eclipse!
A 100+ mile swath of western and northern New York will be in the path of totality, experiencing anywhere up to 4 minutes of sudden darkness as the moon passes between the earth and sun. Star-gazing enthusiasts from near and far will flock to locales like Jamestown, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, and Lake Placid to see the sun obstructed.
Remember that looking at an eclipse poses serious health risks to the eyes if not properly outfitted with eclipse-safe glasses.
To help keep eclipse viewers safe, New York State has launched a program to give out free I LOVE NEW YORK glasses for the event! Found in New York State Welcome Centers and select NYS Thruway rest stops along the eclipse’s path, glasses are in very high demand, so be sure to go early to get your pair!
Those in the NYC metropolitan area looking to get some glasses before heading up—or for viewing the partial eclipse from home—can visit Moynihan Train Hall or the Long Island Welcome Center in Dix Hills. If supplies of the free glasses run out before you get a chance to snag some, there are other eclipse glasses available for purchase in various locations in the area.
Enjoy this experience and be safe.