This eclipse is special because it is the first full solar eclipse visible across the country in nearly 100 years.
On Monday, August 21, at approximately 2:44pm EST, New Yorkers will get the rare opportunity to view a solar eclipse!
NASA is calling the event the "Great American Eclipse."
What is so special about this particular eclipse for us is that it is the first full solar eclipse visible across the country, from Oregon to South Carolina for the first time since June 8, 1918. That means that it has been nearly 100 years since the path of the eclipse has crossed the United States from coast to coast. New York doesn't fall in its "path of totality," but New Yorkers still will be able to see about 70 percent of the sun covered by the moon.
BK Reader has compiled a list of places that are hosting " Eclipse Watch Parties" in Central and East Brooklyn where you can share this experience with other eclipse enthusiasts, beginning in most places at around 1:00pm - 4:00pm:
CLINTON HILL
The Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington (at Lafayette Avenue)
BEDFORD STUYVESANT
The Saratoga Library, 8 Thomas Boyland St
PROSPECT HEIGHTS
Prospect Park, 1 Grand Army Plaza
FORT GREENE
Brooklyn Grange Restaurant (Rooftop), 63 Flushing Avenue
Honorable Mentions:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman Street (DUMBO)
- American Veterans Memorial Pier, Bay Ridge Ave & Shore Rd (Bay Ridge)
- Pioneer Works, 159 Pioneer St (Red Hook)
Remember do not look directly into the sun; you'll need to wear proper eye protection. Many of these places hosting parties will have glasses available. But if you wish to watch it from your own home or balcony, Warby Parker is distributing free viewing glasses at their store locations: Click here to find the closest one to you. Or click here for some easy DIY alternatives, such as how to make a pinhole viewer.
The eclipse is expected to last 90 minutes beginning at about 1:23pm EST, when the moon touches the edge of the sun. The maximum amount of sun coverage, will be around 2:44pm when the moon is closest to the center of the sun. It ends at around 4:00pm, as the moon leaves the sun's edge.
Keep in mind, the eclipse will last only three minutes. So be ready and prepared!