On April 8, New York will experience its first total solar eclipse in almost a century. Five regions across the northern part of the state lie in the path of totality and will witness the moon passing between the sun and earth, blocking the face of the sun for up to four minutes. While only a partial eclipse will be visible in New York City, the event marks the last solar eclipse in the five boroughs until 2044. In anticipation of this once-in-a-lifetime event, the state is offering plenty of ways to witness the spectacle. Ahead, find the best ways to experience the solar eclipse across the state, from aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid and atop the city’s highest outdoor observation deck to the banks of the Hudson River in Bear Mountain State Park and a Long Island beach.
It’s important to be prepared with proper eye protection before April 8, as looking at the eclipse without special solar eclipse glasses can lead to permanent eye damage. New Yorkers can pick up glasses at the MTA’s Long Island Rail Road ticket windows in Moynihan Train Hall, open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. There will also be glasses available for free at Brooklyn Public Library branches.
For those traveling upstate or to Long Island to witness the event, the state will distribute limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses at 30 locations across the state. Those interested in purchasing additional viewing devices can find more information here.
Image courtesy of Edge
Manhattan
Edge
30 Hudson Yards
Edge, the highest observation deck in the Western hemisphere, offers an unparalleled way to experience the solar eclipse. At 1,131 feet in the air, you can’t get any closer to the eclipse than at Edge. The solar eclipse will pass over the five boroughs from 2:10 p.m. to 4:36 p.m., with maximum coverage expected to hit at 3:25 p.m. Guests will be given solar eclipse glasses to ensure safe viewing and there will be a special eclipse cocktail available for purchase. You can purchase tickets to Edge here.
Intrepid Museum
Pier 86, West 46th Street
April 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Experience the solar spectacle from the flight deck of the iconic aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Intrepid. While aboard, guests can learn more about the science behind the rare cosmic event from museum educators. Eclipse-viewing glasses will be provided for free. Admission to the flight deck for viewing will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The viewing event is free with museum admission. Tickets can be purchased here.
Top of the Rock
45 Rockefeller Plaza
April 8 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the solar eclipse from one of Manhattan’s most iconic observation decks, 30 Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock. Visitors will enjoy complimentary eclipse viewing glasses from Warby Parker, themed treats from the Weather Room, and eclipse-inspired music, all while experiencing sweeping 360-degree views of NYC. To attend the event, purchase a timed ticket to the Top of the Rock between 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on April 8 here.
One World Observatory
117 West Street
Witness the eclipse from the highest vantage point in NYC, One World Observatory. Admission includes one pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses, one complimentary beverage of your choice, a commemorative One World Observatory pint glass, a souvenir photo, and a 10 percent discount at the observatory’s retail store. Tickets cost $94 for adults and can be purchased here.
Flatiron District
Flatiron North Plaza, Broadway & 23rd Street
April 8 from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Join the Flatiron NoMad Partnership and the Simons Foundation at Flatiron North Plaza for a special partial solar eclipse viewing party. The event includes free ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last), solar viewing telescopes set up by scientists and staff from the Simons Foundation, a “galactic photo booth,” and a slew of family-friendly activities. The event will also feature state-of-the-art LightSound devices that convert the “variation of light intensity” during an eclipse into sound, enhancing the eclipse experience not only for the visually impaired but for all viewers.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Cruise
Pier 62, West 22nd Street
Enjoy the eclipse while taking in views of iconic NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, World One, and Ellis Island on this 2.5-hour NY Harbor cruise. NYC will experience 71 percent totality, with the maximum coverage occurring at 3:25 p.m. Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis. Admission costs $86-$96 per person and includes one complimentary drink of beer, wine, Champagne, soda, or bottled water. Tickets can be purchased here.
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West
April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join staff at the American Museum of Natural History for fun, family-friendly educational activities before the eclipse fills the sky above NY. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided while supplies last. The event is free with museum admission.
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Cover photo - 2017 solar eclipse at the Top of the Rock. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer