High thin cloud layer may interfere with local eclipse viewing

Weather forecasters predict that a thin cloud layer at about 25,000 feet may interfere with viewing of this afternoon’s eclipse in parts of the New York Metro area, including Westchester and Fairfield. If the cloud layer remains as forecast, the sun would appear to be somewhat hazy but the eclipse still would be visible. It is possible that there will be breaks in the clouds, allowing an unobstructed view. The path of totality will miss the immediate New York City area, but will move over northern New York. The total solar eclipse will cross North America passing over Mexico, the U. S., and Canada.

New York cities that will experience complete darkness from the total eclipse include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Lake Placid, and Plattsburgh. Areas of New York outside the path of totality will still see darkness set in. The sun in White Plains will be 92% obscured by the moon, with New York City seeing 89% totality and Brookhaven on Long Island having 88% totality. In Utica, coverage of the sun will be 99% and in the state capital of Albany it will be 96%.

Weather permitting, the beginnings of the eclipse should be visible in the New York Metro area at about 2:10 and it should last until 4:36, with the peak coverage of the sun at 3:25.

A total eclipse occurs when the sun, the moon, and Earth are lined up. The moon will be directly between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth. During totality, the sun’s corona is visible. The ground path where totality can be seen is called the cone or umbra.

Today’s event is the first total eclipse in New York since 1924. The next one with a similar path is due to happen in 400 years.

The state’s Department of Health has been participating in an interagency task force, comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities, working to ensure a safe and memorable viewing experience for New York state’s residents and visitors.

Even with a thin cloud cover, people are advised not to look directly at the eclipse unless they protect their eyes by wearing an appropriate solar filter, like eclipse glasses, or use a handheld solar viewer. Ordinary sunglasses will not protect against eye damage.

The Westchester County Parks’ Conservation Division will host solar eclipse events county-wide. Free solar eclipse glasses will be distributed, while supplies last.

County Executive George Latimer said, “It is rare for a total solar eclipse to be viewable to so many people and it’s exciting that it will be partially visible in our area. Experiencing it safely at our parks is a great way to mark this special phenomenon.”

The following county locations will host solar eclipse events:

• Cranberry Lake Preserve in North White Plains, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Edith G. Reed Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Lasdon Park Arboretum and Veteran Memorial in Katonah, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Lenois Preserve in Yonkers, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A number of viewing events were planned throughout Connecticut. For example, the Stamford Nature Center was planning to host an eclipse viewing event, as was the Darien Nature Center. Yale’s Leitner Family Planetarium and Observatory in New Haven planned a special viewing party. In Bridgeport, Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center and Planetarium had scheduled a free viewing event.