The Great New York City Eclipse of... Wait, There Isn't One? hold on to your astronaut ice cream!
Did you wake up this morning with a sudden urge to channel your inner Neil deGrasse Tyson and witness a celestial spectacle? Did your breakfast cereal box promise a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event in the Big Apple? Well, hold onto your astronaut ice cream, because today is not that day.
There isn't a solar or lunar eclipse gracing the skies of New York City today (Saturday, June 15th, 2024). But fear not, astronomy enthusiast (or cereal box dupe)! Eclipses are awesome, and New York City eventually will get its turn to witness the magic.
Don't fret, eclipse enthusiasts! Here's the real deal:
Let's rewind a bit. Maybe you stumbled upon an article about the epic solar eclipse that took place in April 2024. That one was a doozy, with the moon blocking out a whopping 89% of the sun for a brief moment. Pretty cool, right?
But eclipses are like buses - you wait ages for one, then two come along at once! That's because there's another solar eclipse coming up in October 2024. Unfortunately, the path of totality (where the sun is completely blocked) won't reach New York City.
But don't lose hope entirely! Here's why:
Even though you won't get the full blackout experience, a partial eclipse might still be visible depending on the location. So, keep an eye out for updates closer to October!
Here's a friendly reminder: Never stare directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. Your eyes are precious, and unless you're rocking some serious solar shades, you're better off watching the event indirectly through a special eclipse filter or via a livestream.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Eclipse-Curious New Yorker:
How to prepare for a future eclipse in NYC?
Stay updated! Follow astronomy websites or NASA for announcements about upcoming eclipses.
How to watch an eclipse safely?
Invest in a special eclipse filter that fits over your binoculars or telescope. Never look directly at the sun!
How long does a total eclipse typically last?
Totality, the complete blackout of the sun, usually only lasts for a few minutes.
How often do eclipses happen?
Eclipses occur relatively frequently, but the path of totality for a solar eclipse only hits a specific location every few years.
How to know if a future eclipse will be visible in NYC?
Websites like Time and Date (https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/) can tell you about upcoming eclipses and their visibility in your area.
