What you should know
- For lovers of astrology, in 2024 they will experience a phenomenon that will not be seen again for another two decades, and New York is already preparing for everyone to enjoy it.
- And is that Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday that people who want to experience a rare total solar eclipse that will happen in April 2024 can stay at the seven state park campgrounds that will be opened for the event. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous United States will not be until August 2044.
- The early opening will help accommodate an expected influx of visitors heading to various regions of the state to witness the celestial event.
NEW YORK — For lovers of astrology, in 2024 they will experience a phenomenon that will not be seen again for another two decades, and New York is already preparing for everyone to enjoy it.
And is that Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday that people who want to experience a rare total solar eclipse that will happen in April 2024 can stay at the seven state park campgrounds that will be opened for the event. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous United States will not be until August 2044.
The early opening will help accommodate an expected influx of visitors heading to various regions of the state to witness the celestial event.
“Next year, New Yorkers and visitors alike will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary celestial spectacle in our state when the solar eclipse passes over the heart of Western New York, the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks in 2024,” said Governor Hochul. “Our state parks will open camping accommodations early, before the traditional camping season, to ensure people get to see this amazing experience in one of New York’s beautiful natural settings. I encourage all those interested to reserve their place starting this week for this incredible event.”
Since when can I reserve the camping spaces to see the total solar eclipse of 2024
Beginning the week of July 3, 2023, reservations will be available at State Parks at a total of 335 campgrounds, lodges and cabins spread across eight counties in western, central and northern New York.
When is the total solar eclipse
On April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality across 15 US states, including much of western and upstate New York. For visitors with reservations for the night of April 8, the departure time is at 11:00 the following morning, to avoid traffic and enjoy the attractions of the region after the eclipse.
In the US, the eclipse will pass northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The eclipse will begin in western New York shortly after 2 pm ET. Total totality will begin in Chautauqua County at 3:17 p.m., moving across the state to Plattsburgh at 3:25 p.m. Locations in the path of totality could experience total darkness for up to 4 minutes. The eclipse will then enter Canada in southern Ontario and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton.
What is a solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun, known as the path of totality, will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the sun’s bright side.
Should I protect my eyes?
Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the bright side of the sun, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized solar viewing eye protection. According to NASA, viewing any part of the sun through the lens of a camera, binoculars, or a telescope without a special solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause serious eye injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized solar observation glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses, polarized or not, are not a safe replacement for solar eclipse glasses.
Which parks in New York will I be able to make reservations for?
- Allegany State Park, 2373 ASP, Rte 1, Salamanca, NY 14779 (Allegany County), for 165 spaces, including campsites, cabins, and a group campsite. New bookings open July 4th.
- Fair Haven Beach State Park, 14985 State Park Road, Fair Haven, NY 13064 (Cayuga County) for 29 cabins and one cabin. Reservations open on July 5.
- Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427 (Livingston/Wyoming counties) for 19 cabins and cabins. Reservations open on July 5.
- Evangola State Park, 10191 Old Lake Shore Road, Irving, NY 14081 (Erie County) for 25 campsites. Reservations open on July 5.
- Four Mile Creek State Park, 1055 Lake Road, Youngstown, NY 14174 (Niagara County) for 50 campsites. Reservations open on July 5.
- Golden Hill State Park, 9691 Lower Lake Road, Barker, NY 14012 (Niagara County) for 25 campsites. Reservations open on July 5.
- Wellesley Island State Park, 44927 Cross Island Road, Fineview, NY 13640 (Jefferson County) for 21 cabins and cottages. New reservations open on July 5.
Where can I make reservations in the camps?
Reservations can be made nine months in advance for a minimum of two nights through ReserveAmerica.com.
