Dear Campus Community,
As you may be aware, a solar eclipse will be visible in North America on April 8, 2024. For the first time since 1925, New York State will be located in the path to receive a total solar eclipse; however, Ithaca DOES NOT lie along the path to have the sun be fully covered. Please keep reading to learn more about how you can safely experience this remarkable celestial event.
Shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, the solar eclipse will begin to impact the greater Ithaca area. Since this location does not lie along the path of totality, a portion of the sun will remain visible throughout the duration of the event. For this reason, it is especially important to use proper eyewear in order to safely view the eclipse. See the following information to protect your eyes during this event:
- NEVER look at the sun directly without protective eyewear unless the sun is completely covered, which will not be the case at any time in Ithaca. To view a total solar eclipse, you will need to travel 1-2 hours north. Local areas in the Finger Lakes region that will experience a total solar eclipse include Geneva, Seneca Falls, and Auburn. Major cities along the I-90 corridor including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse will also be along the path of totality.
- Sunglasses DO NOT provide adequate protection to view a solar eclipse. Utilizing only sunglasses could cause permanent damage to your vision. Permanent eye damage can occur in less than a minute. Sunglasses are unable to filter enough UV radiation to prevent eye damage.
To safely view the eclipse, you must use certified special-purpose solar filters or eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. It is important to look for solar eclipse glasses with ISO certification which will be clearly displayed on the ear-piece of the glasses. Please be aware that due to the novelty of this rare occurrence in New York State, there have been reports of fraudulent solar filters and eclipse glasses being sold. Using fraudulent glasses that do not provide adequate protection can cause permanent damage to your eyes. To ensure you have certified solar filters or eclipse glasses, please order them through a reputable source such as the ones listed on the American Astronomical Society website.
- Certified eclipse glasses are available for free, while supplies last, at all Tompkins County libraries. Call or visit your local library to pick up free certified eclipse glasses and find out about upcoming eclipse-related events and activities.
You can check out an interactive map of the solar eclipse by visiting the Eclipse 2024 website. This site includes a map that shows the path of totality as well as a simulation tool to show an example of what the eclipse will look like from a chosen location. If you are traveling to view the total eclipse, you should make sure to document the exact time that totality will be reached at your chosen destination so that you do not miss it.
If you are traveling to view the solar eclipse, please exercise caution in reaching your destination. You can expect increased traffic volume throughout Western and Upstate New York due to out-of-state visitors travelling to view this celestial event. Be sure to leave adequate time to reach your destination.
Please share these helpful tips with your friends and family!
Sincerely,
Samm Swarts
Assistant Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management