Prepare your excuses for being “busy” this afternoon.
The solar eclipse – the celestial event of the decade – is finally here.
The rare celestial event, in which the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, will begin around 2 p.m. in the City That Never Sleeps and last until around 4 p.m.
Although the Big Apple isn’t about to be eclipsed, New Yorkers can expect to see it around 2:51 p.m., with the sun about 90% overcast at 3:25 p.m.
The closest area to New York that will see a total solar eclipse is Buffalo, which will be able to see the sun completely covered by the moon for three minutes and 31 seconds from 3:18 p.m. to 3:21 p.m., according to NASA.
City dwellers can expect good weather even during the sun, with cloudy skies expected to bother only the Midwest and South and a few over Niagara Falls, which has declared a state of emergency due to the expected influx of visitors.
The next solar eclipse will pass over much of the United States, it’s not until 2044.
Best time to view the eclipse in New York?
New Yorkers in any of the five boroughs should be ready to view the eclipse at its peak for the region at 3:25 p.m., NASA said.
The phenomenon will begin at 2:10 p.m., but viewers won’t start seeing the change until around 2:51 p.m., when the moon begins to block the sun in the lower right before reaching 90% of totality around 3:25 p.m.
But have no fear! Even if you miss it at its peak, you can still see a partial eclipse until around 4 p.m.
It will be completely dissipated around 4:36 p.m., according to NASA.
Where can you watch the eclipse in New York?
If you’re not stuck at work on a Monday afternoon, many places in New York host viewing parties.
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck will host a viewing evening from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tavern on the Green is also hosting a solar eclipse party – a first for the venue – from 2 to 5 p.m. A Columbia University astronomer will give guests a 30-minute educational presentation about the eclipse, according to Forbes.
Another observation deck, The Edge – the highest outdoor terrace in the Western Hemisphere – will hand out eclipse glasses to guests and offer a special cocktail for purchase at the bar.
Where to get free solar eclipse glasses?
Although the Big Apple won’t see a total eclipse, it’s still necessary to wear protective eyewear to avoid eye damage that can lead to blind spots, flashes and distortions.
The nuances are similar to those in 3D films.
The city’s public libraries will distribute drinks on a first-come, first-served basis, and they can also be picked up at the Moynihan Train Hall from 6:30 a.m.
It can be tempting to stare at the sun without protective glasses due to darkness, but optometrists warn against the practice, saying they typically see more patients complaining of blind spots or blurred vision after the dizziness phenomenon.
New York Post
