2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

The best spots to watch the total solar eclipse in New York

A 90% partial solar eclipse will be visible in New York City, with totality in the north and west of the state.

Evelyn HocksteinREUTERS

Monday 8 April will see a total solar eclipse be visible in the United States for the second time in seven years. However, the 2024 event is predicated to last twice as long (around four minutes) and be twice as wide as 2017′s. The next one, by contrast, is not expected to take place for another 20 years.

Follow solar eclipse in USA 2024 live online: reactions, best images and latest news.

Which US states are on the path of totality?

According to NASA, 99% of Americans, regardless where they live, will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, as long as the weather behaves itself, of course. However, the path of totality, the centre of the Moon’s shadow when it hits the Earth, will be the place to be (don’t forget to pack your solar eclipse glasses).

Total solar eclipses are visible only within a narrow path on the earth’s surface and this year one such path will make its way over the centre of the Pacific Ocean, across Mexico, the United States and Canada before finishing over the Atlantic.

The event is expected to enter the US in Texas and move through Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, while a total eclipse will be visible in parts of other states, including Tennessee and Michigan.

Which parts of New York will get the best views of the total solar eclipse?

If you happen to be in New York, then you’re in luck, as there will be a whole host of places that are expected to offer excellent views of the phenomenon. According to the National Weather Service, there is a 20-30% chance of rain showers during totality in western New York, so keep your fingers crossed those pesky clouds don’t get in the way.

The best spots are said to be within the north and west of the state, so make your way to Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Watertown or the Adirondacks Mountains, which all fall within the path of totality.

In Buffalo, NASA have indicated the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. EDT, with totality beginning at 3:18 p.m. EDT.

In New York City, a 90% partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the peak expected at 3:25 p.m. ET. Is the extra 10% worth travelling for? The next total solar eclipse is predicted to pass over NYC itself in May 2079, which may help you make up your mind.

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