How to View the North American Eclipse of 2017 in Brooklyn

As reposted by the Brownstoner.

“On Monday August 21, North America will experience a solar eclipse, when the moon will cover the sun from Earth’s perspective. Although the places where the moon will fully cover the sun will be significantly further south than Brooklyn, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to see the event from here.

A 2014 eclipse viewed from space. Photo via NASA
Path of the 2017 eclipse through the United States. Map via NASA

Solar eclipses occur when the moon aligns itself directly between the sun and the earth. The resultant eclipse will block the sun’s light for a short period of time for viewers on Earth. Even though the path of the total solar eclipse will travel from Salem, Ore., to Charleston, S.C., and not come all that close to New York City, Brooklynites will still be treated to a partial eclipse — about 70 percent of the sun’s visible disk will be covered.

Turn around, bright eyes… On Monday, August 21, 2017, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible on a narrow path stretching across the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. Join our viewing party at Clinton Hill Library, and you’ll get a pair of these snazzy glasses to protect your eyes during the eclipse. (: @hilarx)

Residents who live further southwest in the borough will get a slightly better look at the eclipse, as the path of totality will track across the U.S. from northwest to southeast. The eclipse will begin in Brooklyn at around 1:30 p.m., peak around 2:45, and last until around 4 p.m.

Remember, if you’re looking at a solar eclipse, wear proper eye protection and don’t look directly into the sun — however, normal sunglasses won’t do. You’ll need special eyewear. The American Astronomical Association and the National Weather Service have a good breakdown of what works and what won’t.

Spots with an unobstructed view upwards are the best places to catch the eclipse. Prospect Park, Coney Island’s beaches, and Brooklyn Bridge Park are a few places that could work well as viewing spots.

President and Mrs. Coolidge view the eclipse in 1925 outside the White House. Photo via Library of Congress

The last time there was a major eclipse of note in New York City was January 24, 1925. During that eclipse, New York was in the path of totality, which crossed through the city near Manhattan’s 96th Street.”