The sun will soon stop shining on Long Island.
At least it will for a few minutes as the moon makes its way between the sun and the Earth, causing a partial solar eclipse to be visible in the tri-state area.
While downstate New Yorkers won’t be fortunate enough to witness a total solar eclipse this afternoon, the eclipse should be visible in Nassau and Suffolk counties in about 90% totality just before 3:30 p.m.
The New York metro region won’t see another total eclipse until 2079.
Best time to view the eclipse on Long Island?
Folks on Long Island will be able to take in the spectacle starting around 2:10 p.m. — with the eclipse lasting until 4:36 p.m., according to NASA.
A third of the moon will be blocked off to spectators just before 3 p.m. and by 3:25 p.m., the sun will be 90% covered by the moon.
By 4:36 p.m., the moon will have completely drifted northward, revealing the sun once again.
Everything to know about the 2024 solar eclipse
- The solar eclipse will take place Monday, April 8, blocking the sun for over 180 million people in its path.
- The eclipse will expand from Mexico’s Pacific Coast across North America, hitting 15 US states and pulling itself all the way to the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
- New Yorkers will experience the solar eclipse just after 2 p.m. Monday.
- A huge explosion on the sun, known as a coronal mass ejection, is anticipated, according to experts. This happens when massive particles from the sun are hurled out into space, explains Ryan French of the National Solar Observatory in Boulder, Colorado.
- To avoid serious injury to the eyes, it is necessary to view the event through proper eyewear like eclipse glasses, or a handheld solar viewer, during the partial eclipse phase before and after totality.
- The next total solar eclipse will take place on Aug. 12, 2026, and totality will be visible to those in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small slice of Portugal.
Where can you view the eclipse?
There will be eclipse viewing parties across Long Island on Monday, including at Hofstra University, SUNY Old Westbury and Jones Beach.
State parks like Sunken Meadow State Park, Heckscher State Park, and Hallock State Park Preserve, will also have viewing parties. Free glasses will be handed out
The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale is having a viewing party for families that includes hands-on activities for children. A pair of solar eclipse glasses will be provided with admission to the museum.
The Long Island Explorium is also hosting a solar eclipse viewing party from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are limited and costs $10 per person. Admission comes with a pair of eclipse glasses.
Where can you get glasses?
While Long Island is not in the path of totality and will not experience a total eclipse, those looking to watch the spectacle unfold must wear special glasses to shield their eyes from the sun.
Plenty of places across Nassau and Suffolk counties are offering free eclipse glasses, including all Warby Parker locations, as well as many local libraries, including the East Hampton Library and the Long Beach Library.
Gov. Kathy Hochul also announced the state would distribute limited edition “I Love NY” eclipse glasses at several locations across the state, including at the Long Island Welcome Center on the Long Island Expressway Eastbound in Dix Hills.
