Simply, the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, August 21st, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and even though NYC will get only a 3/4 partial eclipse, it’s a big enough deal that there are eclipse-watching events all over town. The best one is at the American Museum of Natural History.
Warnings first. Special eclipse eyewear is absolutely necessary. If you look at the eclipse without proper eye protection, you could be blinded. You are still looking directly at the sun, even though most of it will be hidden by the moon’s shadow.
Purchase only eclipse glasses certified safe. They would be marked by ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for such products. Here is a list of brands and dealers selling certified glasses, including camera and electronics stores Adorama and B&H in New York City, and at the shops at the American Museum of Natural History. Don’t wait. The glasses have been flying off the shelves for weeks.
The Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking out the Sun for about three minutes in a swath of North America stretching from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina.
While New York is a not in this “path of totality,” we will be able to see the Moon cover about 75% of the Sun, starting at 2:21pm, with peak coverage at 2:24pm.
AMNH astrophysicist Jackie Faherty describes it like a scene out of Star Wars, as the Death Star moves across the scene, blocking out everything in its path.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, the brilliant and personable astrophysicist director of the Hayden Planetarium, says to watch without your camera or cellphone. At a Solar Eclipse news conference at AMNH yesterday, he urges us to expereience the Total Solar Eclipse fully in the moment, and look at the photos by professionals, including NASA later.
Both Faherty and Tyson also say to be aware of the air and the animals around you. As daylight turns into twilight, the wind comes up, and animals begin acting like it’s nightfall
See NYC Solar Eclipse viewing parties on next page
including events at museums, National Park Service sites and public library branches.
If you know about a Solar Eclipse viewing party or other event, let us know so we can include it. Email tips@nyconthecheap.com
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