We hope you enjoy this compilation of research into what our Greenfield, New York residents may see during the rare 2024 Solar eclipse event. It is questionable what we will see in the TOG. We are not in the path of a “total eclipse,” in comparison to the geographic areas that are in its direct path, who will experience complete darkness. But if we do get a clear day we will get a view of the partial eclipse and experts warn to wear the safety eye protection!! Looking at the sky during this event, even in Greenfield, can be very dangerous.
The “I Love NY” tourism webpage lists locations where free safety glasses are being distributed. One spot is Northway Exit 17/18’s tourism center and one is at Northway’s Exit 21B in Hannacroix, NY. They also posted some good information if you are looking to purchase glasses. I Love NY even offers an “eclipse playlist” on its site, including such hits as “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler and Manfred Mann Earth Band’s “Blinded by the Light.” What fun!
Sadly, our lucky friends who share our name in Greenfield, Indiana, are right in the middle of its path!!
You can learn all about this rare event by reading the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s press release. According to “I Love NY,” your best bet to really experience the event is by travelling north to Lake Placid, Gore Mountain, or one of the many other towns in the direct path of the eclipse that will be hosting day-long activities in celebration. Keep in mind that the actual length of “complete totality” is only a little over three minutes, depending where in the U.S. you are located. The USA Today posted a zip code search with an interactive map (here) to find out what time the entire eclipse event begins and when it ends, etc. It says that for 12833, we will see a partial eclipse for 2 hours and 24 minutes. Rather than complete totality, 98.5% of the sun will be covered by the moon at peak, which will take place at 3:26 p.m. Sounds interesting enough to us!
Stay tuned for school closings, etc. Greenfield Elementary (and other elementary schools in the Saratoga district) have a half day April 8. You also may watch the total eclipse safely online at www.space.com.