Upstate New York is gearing up for a celestial showstopper on Monday, April 8th, with the arrival of the 2024 Solar Eclipse. As the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow across the region, locals are preparing to witness a remarkable event that promises to captivate and inspire viewers.
The last time a solar eclipse was visible in Upstate New York was on August 21, 2017. It was a partial solar eclipse, meaning that the Moon only partially covered the Sun’s disk as seen from Upstate New York. While Upstate New York was not in the path of totality for this eclipse, observers still experienced a significant dimming of sunlight and a noticeable change in the sky during the event.
The eclipse unfolds gradually, beginning with the moon’s shadow gradually encroaching on the sun’s bright disk. Over the course of about an hour, spectators will notice a gradual dimming of sunlight as the moon’s silhouette becomes more pronounced.
“I’ve been looking forward to the solar eclipse for weeks now! I am hoping the weather allows for us to witness this event, because it will be the last time for awhile. But either way, me and my friends plan to make the most of it.” Said Junior Cheyenne Chamberland
If the weather cooperates—fingers crossed!—you’ll have the chance to witness a truly exceptional event that won’t occur in Syracuse again for another 375 years. During the peak of the eclipse, known as totality, the experience will be fleeting, lasting only about a minute and a half in Syracuse and three and a half minutes in Buffalo.
The anticipation is palpable as students at SUNY Cortland eagerly await tomorrow’s solar eclipse. For many, this celestial event represents a rare and magical opportunity to witness nature’s spectacle firsthand and appreciate the vast wonders of the universe.
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. This alignment creates a moment of awe-inspiring beauty, as the Moon slowly covers the Sun, casting a soft twilight over the landscape.
Senior Hannah Butler expresses her excitement, stating, “I’m incredibly excited to witness tomorrow’s solar eclipse. It’s a rare opportunity to experience something truly magical right here on our campus. It’s not every day that we get to witness such an event in our own backyard, and being able to share this experience with my friends makes it more special.”
During totality, observers can take a moment to appreciate the beauty unfolding above them. As the moon passes in front of the sun, the world will be illuminated in a beautiful glow, creating a sense of awe. But totality is fleeting, lasting only a few short minutes before daylight gradually returns. The eclipse reverses course, and the sun emerges once more, signaling the end of the show.
The 2024 Solar Eclipse promises to be a memorable event for Upstate New York, offering a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of the natural world in action. As we all gather to witness this cosmic spectacle, let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and the opportunity to witness it in our area!