Solar eclipse visible in New York on April 8: where to watch, how to get free glasses

The 2024 solar eclipse has a path of totality which will cross over certain parts of New York State on April 8, in what NASA says will be the last chance to see a total eclipse in the U.S. for the next 20 years.

Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y. are predicted to witness a total eclipse, meaning the sun will be completely covered by the moon, sometime between 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Other surrounding cities including NYC will only experience a partial eclipse.

Millions of people are expected to travel to cities stretching across the path of the eclipse from Texas to Maine, where it’s anticipated to be at its strongest. But experts are warning of the dangers of looking at the eclipse without the correct protective glasses.

Here’s a guide on where to watch, what to expect and how to prepare for the historic event, including stocking up on glasses.

Where and when can I watch the solar eclipse?

The eclipse will be visible to some extent in all states, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Stretching from the Texas/Mexico border to the Maine/Canada border, the path of totality will cross many major cities including Dallas, Tex.; Little Rock, Ark.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, N.Y., Erie, Pa; Burlington, Vt.; and Lancaster, N.H.

The time when totality occurs is also important to note, and is slightly different for each location. Texas will begin to experience the eclipse around 1:27 p.m. CT, with the eclipse coming to an end in Maine around 3:35 p.m. ET.

The timing and coverage percentage of the eclipse in your location can be found by entering your zip code at EclipseSoundscapes.org. Those in the New York City area will experience coverage of around 90%.

If you’re not in the path of the eclipse, you can watch it live on the NASA website.

Will the weather forecast affect the view?

Thick clouds do have the potential to block the view of the eclipse and as of now, forecasters still aren’t sure exactly what the weather will bring that day.

On Monday, April 8, New York City is expected to see “a passing morning shower; otherwise, clouds giving way to some sun,” with a cloud coverage of about 53%, according to AccuWeather.

For Buffalo, where the eclipse is expected to be the strongest in the state, residents have a likelier chance of fully experiencing the phenomenon, with only 26% cloud coverage predicted and a forecast that is “partly sunny.”

Even if thick clouds do block the view in New York, you’ll still experience the sudden darkness that comes with being near the path of totality.

Is the eclipse dangerous?

Yes, the exciting phenomenon could potentially cause harm if observed improperly. And it has the potential to create problems on the ground as well.

Those who plan to look directly at the eclipse need special ISO-certified protective glasses, and experts are warning of dangerous knock-offs being sold. Directly viewing the sun during an eclipse can cause serious and permanent damage to your eyes.

There’s also the possibility of car crashes and other travel issues during the eclipse, as people scramble to get a good view. Flights may also be delayed or canceled due to congested travel and an unusually high number of drones in the sky.

Where can I get protective glasses?

Vendors approved by the American Astronomical Society can be found on eclipse websites including GreatAmericanEclipse.com and NationalEclipse.com, as well as through American Paper Optics, the nation’s largest supplier of eclipse glasses.

Warby Parker is giving away free eclipse glasses at its retail locations nationwide beginning April 1, while supplies last. You can claim up to two pairs of glasses per family.

Free protective glasses are also being handed out at participating MyEyeDr locations, including six in New York State and 33 in Connecticut.

You may also be able to find free glasses at your local public library.

What if I can’t get protective glasses in time?

One option is a solar filter, which you can purchase and attach to telescopes, binoculars or cameras.

It’s recommended you consult the manufacturer of your device to find the right filter, and to not use telescopes, binoculars or cameras without them, even if you have protective glasses.

A cheaper option is a pinhole viewer — an easily made device that involves two sheets of paper, some tinfoil and a hole. You simply turn your back towards the sun and adjust your position until you see the outline of the sun or eclipse on the piece of paper. More in-depth directions are available here.

What makes this eclipse unique?

The 2024 total solar eclipse, or the “Great North American Eclipse” as it’s being dubbed, is creating particular buzz due to the unusual accessibility it will offer to millions across the country.

This year’s eclipse offers a much wider, more populated path of totality than the eclipse some may remember from 2017, as well as a longer time in totality for those in the right spot (more than 4 minutes of darkness, as opposed to 2 minutes in 2017).

There will also be increased solar activity compared to the last total eclipse, meaning a higher likelihood of seeing prominences on the surface of the sun, appearing as bright pink curls rising off the surface.

If you’re lucky, you may even witness a coronal mass ejection, or a large explosion of plasma and other solar materials.