On April 8th, North America experienced a total solar eclipse, the first to face our nation since 2017. However, the wide audience and ability to watch this eclipse with family and friends made the wait worthwhile. Almost the entire nation was able to glimpse at this partial eclipse. New York was one of the eleven states located within its path of totality, with some regions in its direct path and others viewing a partial solar eclipse.
The moon’s shadow sliced a diagonal line from southwest to northeast North America entering from Mazatlan, Mexico and exiting at Newfoundland, Canada. During an eclipse, the moon, sun, and Earth must align. When the moon passes between the Earth and Sun, it can temporarily block the sun’s light and cast a shadow on Earth. During a total eclipse, the sun will appear as an illuminated halo and give off a “diamond ring effect.” Some lucky viewers may even catch a glimpse of a comet. Comet 12/Pons-Brooks, nicknamed the “devil comet”, is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it orbits through the inner solar system. The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the northwest horizon. However during the total eclipse in April, it was too dim to see the comet with the eye alone, and only some astrophotographers were able to catch it in their images.
In the days leading up to the event, anticipation grew among viewers and with the aid of modern technology, the timing and path of the eclipse were meticulously mapped out. The eclipse was predicted to start at 2:10 p.m. and last until 4:36 p.m, with its peak being at 3:25. As the time drew closer, people gathered in parks, open fields, or their own backyards, all carrying their protective eyewear. Although Rye Brook wasn’t in the eclipse’s direct path, it was still able to enjoy 91% coverage of the sun. Residents picked up their solar eclipse glasses at the Village Hall while students at Blind Brook received them from their science classes.
The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, yet this one will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean and some parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and northern Spain. The next total eclipse in the US will be in 2033, but will only be limited to Alaska. However, in 2045, the US will experience another coast to coast total eclipse.